*
banner

Milnrow welcomes back prize sextet

Six returnee signings are welcomed back by Milnrow Band.

Milnrow
 

The Milnrow Band has announced six new signings to the band, with no less than five being returnees.

Return

Kenny Pain, Natalie Beer, Claire Westacott, Frances Thewlis and Mick Morris have all joined the playing ranks whilst Dave Hebb takes on the mantle as the band’s Associate Conductor working alongside Musical Director Mareika Gray.

Kenny Pain returns on soprano after short time away pursuing his ongoing conducting career with Dobcross Silver Band. Kenny replaces Jay Abbott who recently moved back to Nottingham.

Natalie Beer joins the band on 2nd cornet having previously played flugel with Hepworth. Claire Westacott comes in on flugel following successful periods with Pennine Brass, Hepworth and Hammonds Saltaire Bands.

Year out

After an absence of nearly a year, band manager Frances Thewlis returns to the playing ranks on solo horn following the birth of her third child, whilst Mick Morris returns to head the bass section from Brighouse & Rastrick, after an absence of nearly 11 years from the band.

We welcome these players and look forward to a successful futureMedia Officer, Jonny Shaw

Welcome

Finally, Dave Hebb returns to the middle of the band from Brighouse & Rastrick after an absence of around 10 years.

Media Officer Jonny Shaw told 4BR: “We welcome these players and look forward to a successful 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    


Alan Jenkins

Death of Alan Jenkins

June 11 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected former orchestral tuba player and journalist Alan Jenkins.


BBE Foundations

Last call for future leaders

June 11 • If you want to be an inspirational lead for your band organisation then why not sign up for this year's course from BBE.


Brexit

EU work dries up for UK musicians

June 11 • A new report finds that more than a quarter of UK based musicians have lost all work opportunities in the EU since 2021.


100 tubas

Forget 76 trombones — its 100 tubas that are needed in Scotland

June 11 • Red Note Ensemble is hoping that they will be joined by a legion of low brass for a rare performance of Anthony Braxton's 'Composition No. 19'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

June 9 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm under the baton of our MD Jim Henson, at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Crewe Brass

June 5 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) 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.


Glossop Old Band

June 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd