*
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    


wright and round

Wright & Round: The Circle of Life (Elton John & Tim Rice arr. Philip Harper)

August 19 • One of the great Disney songs brought to 'life' by Philip Harper.


Vertommen

Vertommen takes on new role in Leuven

August 19 • Dr. Luc Vertommen becomes the new Head of Band Conducting at Luca School of Arts in Leuven.


Hinnerup

Rising Stars celebrate 10th anniversary in Hinnerup

August 19 • The 10th anniversary of the Hinnerup Gardens Summer School has just been celebrated in Denmark.


Buckley

The Wynne winning formula celebrated by Royal Buckley

August 19 • John Wynne's 60 years of outstanding commitment and dedication to Royal Buckley Band has been marked by the band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Marconi Brass

August 15 • We are looking for a cornet to join our friendly, ambitious second section band under the baton of our Musical Director, Jonathan Crowhurst. Based in Rochester, Kent, we rehearse on a Monday evening at Holcombe Hockey Club, 19:45-21:30.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd