*
banner

Baker finally flies back

Trombone star has been stuck in New York due to yet another Ash cloud delay — but is now back in the UK and raring to go...

Baker
 

Trombone star Brett Baker has just completed a marathon return trip to the UK following his succesful tour of the USA.

Ash cloud

Brett performed concerts with the Mississauga Temple Band and Brass Band of the Western Reserve, but just as he was to board his flight back to the UK in New York, disaster struck and yet another Icelandic ash cloud meant a three day delay in JFK airport.

All clear

He finally got the all clear to board a flight yesterday — although he had to fly to Edinburgh and then book another flight to Manchester before he could be reunited with his car to travel up to a Black Dyke rehearsal the same evening.

I managed to get on a flight back to Edinburgh and then pay for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester just to get homeBrett Baker

Back for rehearsal

Brett told 4BR: "I was stuck in New York after a really great tour of Canada and Ohio. I flew from Cleveland to New York only to have the Manchester flight cancelled. After hours and hours delay, I managed to get on a flight back to Edinburgh and then pay for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester just to get home."

That wasn't the end of his travels though. "All that and I just had time to change and drive up to a Black Dyke rehearsal in the night!"

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    


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd