*
banner

Wych way for Besses future

Former sop star Alan Wycherley takes the baton at one of the most famous banding names in the world.

Wycherley
 

Besses O' Th' Barn Band, has announced that they have appointed Alan Wycherley as their new Musical Director.

Focus

The former soprano star told 4BR that he is focussed on bringing the glory back to one of the most famous names in the banding world. "I’m determined to be the driving power behind re-establishing Besses as a banding force once again," he said.

With the band’s bi-centenary in 2018, Alan hopes to rejuvenate the former multiple National and British Open winners, starting with an aggressive recruitment policy.

Top players

He added: "We will be looking at top players to fill our remaining vacancies, but only those with a commitment to do all rehearsals and engagements need apply."

Alan has already been encouraged by the response his arrival has created within the existing band which is currently contesting in the Second Section in the North West Area.

"I’m determined to be the driving power behind re-establishing Besses as a banding force once againAlan Wycherley

Plans

He also revealed that the band is formulating plans to undertake exciting projects in the years leading up to the bicentenary, including potential books and recordings from the famous world tours they undertook at the turn of the 20th century.

Band Chairman, Matt Bailey added: "We are delighted to secure someone of Alan's banding pedigree and calibre as our new MD. Together we are very excited about the future as we focus on raising Besses back to the top of banding once again."

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    


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB Conducting Final to showcase exceptional entrants

November 22 • The final of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain bi-annual Young Conductors' Competition is set to be to feature a quartet of outstanding talent.


BBSS

New era for Brass Band Summer School

November 22 • Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire is to be the new home of the Brass Band Summer School as it prepares for 40th anniversary.


BBE insurance

Tailored insurance for BBE members

November 22 • Brass Band England is offering the opportunity for its member bands to enjoy bespoke insurance for people, instruments and assets.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Tintwistle Band

November 21 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to join our engine room and help to complete the team.. We are currently in the second section, enjoy all year round concert and contest engagements, and also the odd social event.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Euphonium to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Principal Cornet to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd