*
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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Oxted Band

February 17 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd