*
banner

Desford pay Watson tribute

Desford pay tribute to former conductor James Watson.

Watson
 

The Desford Band has paid tribute to James Watson – the conductor who led them to four National Championship of Great Britain victories.

Shock

The trumpeter and conductor died unexpectedly on the weekend at his home, and the news came as a great shock to the band, who remember his tenure at the helm with a great deal of lasting affection.

Inspirational

Former principal cornet player David Smith told 4BR: "Jim was an inspirational driving force behind Desford, not just achieving those four memorable National wins, but building a foundation of spirit which has lasted ever since."

David added: "He gave us the understanding that music making was more than just notes, and that every member was just as important as each other. Many of us who were players at Desford also studied with him at the Royal Academy of Music — Steven Stewart, Gareth Small, Phil Bailey, Martin Britt, Rob Samuel to name a few.

We hope to find a fitting way to pay our tribute and remember a truly inspirational conductor and musician, and the wonderful legacy he has leftDavid Smith

Owe so much

As David revealed, the band was to put on a re-union concert later this year in James Watson's honour: "We all owe so much for the inspiration and love of putting music first. Desford had a renuinion concert planned in June with Jim at St. Albans Cathedral, a concert organised by his loving sons who our thoughts are with.

We hope to find a fitting way to pay our tribute and remember a truly inspirational conductor and musician, and the wonderful legacy he has left."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd