*
banner

No more White at Staines

After almost six great years, Melvin and Susan White step down from Staines Brass.

Staines Brass at the Albert Hall
 

4BR has been informed that after more than five years at the helm, Melvin White has decided to step down as Musical Director of Staines Brass.

Exceptional

Band Manager Jason Pickin told 4BR: "Melvin took on the role in 2008 knowing that it was a make or break time for the band, and has been instrumental in getting things back on track with his exceptional direction and motivational skills.

It’s been an absolute pleasure having him work with us, and we will be eternally grateful for the long list of successful concerts and contests we have embarked on since 2008.

There have been many highlights, including qualification to the National Finals in 2012 and invitations to the All England Masters in 2012 and 2013."

Joy

He added: "It has been a joy to work with Melvin and we made a great team. I will certainly miss our long telephone conversations on the commute home from work!"

Trom loss

The band will also be losing the services of Melvin’s wife Susan on solo trombone.

Jason added: "Susan has an outstanding player, giving us some incredible solo performances."

Joint statement

Meanwhile in joint statement Melvin and Susan added: "After almost six happy years with the band, the regular commute from our home in Dartford has finally become too much.

There have been many highlights including an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall and two concerts at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where our daughter Amelia, attended one of her first concerts."

They added: "Staines has been brilliantly supportive and the atmosphere there has been conducive to quality music-making. The management team have been excellent and Susan has been particularly pleased to play alongside Keith Maxwell and Colin Reeves.

We now plan to concentrate on projects nearer home but have offered to help Staines until suitable replacements are found."

Staines has been brilliantly supportive and the atmosphere there has been conducive to quality music-makingMelvin & Susan White

Respect

Jason Pickin concluded: "Staines Brass have a huge amount of respect for the time, effort and workload that both Melvin and Susan have put into the band and wish them both, along with their wonderful daughter Amelia, the very best of luck for the future."

The band will be holding a farewell concert for Melvin and Susan at St Peter’s Church, Staines in September.

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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd