*
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 Promotions

And the National Final invitations go to...

March 24 • The provisional list of bands that will be invited to compete at the 2026 National Finals at London and York have now been completed.


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd