*
banner

Hirst takes hot seat at Skelmanthorpe

The former Dyke, Brighouse, Grimey and JSVB cornet player brings his experience to the hot seat at Skelmanthorpe.

David Hirst
 

David Hirst, the vastly experienced cornet player with a CV that includes Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe and James Shepherd Versatile Brass, has become the new principal cornet of Skelmanthorpe Band.

New role

Equally well-known as a conductor with successful spells at Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick and guest appearances with Foden’s, Grimethorpe and Fairey, he will take up his new position later this month.

Impressed

Skelmanthorpe MD John Roberts told 4BR: "David is exactly the player we have been looking for and I have known him for well over 25 years."

John continued: "I'm very impressed with his playing and there is a real buzz about the bandroom. David brings a lot to Skelmanthorpe, and his leadership and experience will rub off onto our younger players."

David brings a lot to Skelmanthorpe, and his leadership and experience will rub off onto our younger playersMD, John Roberts

Challenge

David meanwhile added: "Having recently returned to playing I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge and intensity of the rehearsals, with the bonus of a great bandroom atmosphere.

John is a highly skilled musician and alongside a band of good players it makes for a great team."

New signings

David’s formal debut later this month coincides with the arrival of Neil Keer on percussion, Martin Oke on Principal Eb Bass, Steven Thornes on 2nd cornet and Liz Oke on horn in November.

John Roberts added: "The band would like to publically thank outgoing players Vicki and Phil Harris who are taking a break from playing."

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    


Brass in Concert

Just 10 and counting for Brass in Concert

October 18 • There are now just 10 tickets left before the sold-out signs are posted for the Brass in Concert Championships.


Jenkins

Armed Man comes to Swansea

October 18 • Sir Karl Jenkins will lead the Aldbourne Band in the Welsh premiere of his new brass band version of 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' at the Brangwyn Hall on Sunday.


Tivoli

Dutch bands prepare for Gregson National challenges

October 18 • Works by Edward Gregson will test the competing bands at the Dutch National Championships in Utrecht.


Rochdale

Full day of contest action in Rochdale

October 18 • If you are in the area why not pop along to enjoy the competitive action at Wardle Academy


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player 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.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd