*
banner

Baker racks up the miles

Brett Baker has been racking up the air miles of late.

Baker
 

Brett Baker, principal trombone of Black Dyke, spent the Easter holidays with a short tour of Melbourne and Hobart in Australia where he played at the Australian National Championships with the Kew Band.

Linz

Brett managed to get back to the UK just before the total cancellation of UK flights, but still had more air miles to look forward to as he will soon deaprt with Black Dyke to Linz for the European Championships.

USA

Immediately on his return from Austria Brett will fly to Toronto to play as a soloist with the Mississauga Temple Band and the Oakville Children’s’ Choir on the 8th May.

Then after a short flight down to Columbus, Ohio, Brett will visit the Band of the Western Reserve for the sixth time in ten years and meet up again with their conductor, fellow Brit, Keith Wilkinson. Brett will perform as guest soloist in a concert on 15th May.

This year I will be premiering the brass band arrangement of an old standard for cornet or trombone by Gardell Simons called Atlantic ZephersBrett Baker

Long standing

Brett told 4BR: "I have a long standing relationship with both bands which goes back eleven years. I particularly enjoy my concerts with the Band of the Western Reserve as it usually leads to a new arrangement of a trombone solo by Keith."

He added: "This year I will be premiering the brass band arrangement of an old standard for cornet or trombone by Gardell Simons called 'Atlantic Zephers'. Equally exciting though will be a return visit to my friends at Mississauga who I have not seen since 2004!."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


kAPITOL

2026 National Finals test-pieces announced

March 30 • Works by Philip Sparke, Andrew Wainwright, Eric Ball, Thierry Deleruyelle and Peter Graham will challenge the Albert Hall and York Barbican finalists.


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd