*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 12 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team.. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, performing a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd