*
banner

Maines direction at Mount Charles

John Maines returns to Cornwall to take MD role with Mount Charles.

Maines
 

Mount Charles has announced that John Maines has accepted the position of Musical Director with the band.

Pleased

John is returning to Cornwall, where he previously spent many a happy year playing solo trombone, and he told 4BR: "My wife Jackie and I have been planning a move back to Cornwall for some time now. I have had connections with Mount Charles over the last 5 years as a conductor, compere and a player, so I am very pleased to be able to work with the band on a regular basis."

John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. The stability of working with a regular conductor will be of great benefit to the bandChairman, Derek Thomas

Wealth of experience

John recently took the band at Bugle contest, and hopes to build on the exciting talent he has found with the band.

Band Chairman, Derek Thomas, told 4BR: "John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. The stability of working with a regular conductor will be of great benefit to the band."

The band will continue to work with guest conductors in the coming year, as Derek highlighted: "We plan to work with other conductors throughout the year. However, John will be the consistent factor in the band’s development, which we strongly believe to be the right approach."

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    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd