*
banner

New shades of Gray at Masson Mills

Russell Gray has taken up the MDs post at Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills Band.

Gray
 

Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills Band has announced that Russell Gray has agreed to become their Musical Director.

Delight

Russell’s appointment follows the death of Masson Mills long-time Musical Director Stephen Shimwell, in April, and the band is delighted that the current Fairey (Geneva) MD, has accepted the post.

Concert profile

Based in Matlock, Derbyshire, the band (formerly known as Thorntons Brass) withdrew from the competitive arena several years ago and now concentrates on the organisation of several high profile concerts each year for local and regional charities.

The band’s association with Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills began in 2008, and since them they have helped raise around £40,000 for good causes.

Russell came to conduct a recent rehearsal and struck up an instant rapport with the membersBand spokesperson, Phil Peat

Determined

Band spokesman Phil Peat told 4BR: "After the sad loss of Stephen, the band members spirits were very low, but we were determined to continue playing. We set out to find a first class Musical Director who could re-invigorate and inspire the band and take us forward again."

He added: "Russell came to conduct a recent rehearsal and struck up an instant rapport with the members. We knew immediately that we would like him to work with us on a regular basis and are thrilled that a conductor of Russell’s standing has agreed to conduct us at our future concerts."

Looking forward

Russell added: "The band is doing great work to raise money for local charities, enabling large sums to be donated to worthy causes. I fully support their aims and objectives and am looking forward to working with the band on some new repertoire and putting on some great concerts in the future."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd