*
banner

One return step for Kennedy

After a highly successful tenure as principal cornet at the Welsh Area champion, Vicki Kennedy returns home.

Vicki Kennedy leading Tongwynlais
 

Welsh Area champion Tongwynlais Temperance has bid a fond farewell to principal cornet Vicki Kennedy who, following the completion of her degree at Royal Welsh College in Cardiff, is moving back to her home in Doncaster.

Leading principal

Initially joining on repiano, Vicki soon rose through the ranks to become one of the leading principal cornet players in Welsh banding at the start of 2012.

Proved

Band spokesperson Jason Bevan told 4BR: "It was a testament to how Vicki matured as a player that she was able to become principal cornet.

She proved herself to be a key part of our recent successes, receiving many plaudits for her notable performances in the Welsh Area victory this year and at the recent All England Masters."

Fantastic years

Vicki added: "I would like to thank everyone for a fantastic three years and to Phil Harper for believing in me and having the confidence to appoint me as principal cornet.

I’m proud to have led the band as principal cornet through one of the most successful periods in its history."

She added: "Finally I would like to thank Steve Sykes for his ongoing support and of course to Gareth Hann who has been an incredible bumper-up: I couldn’t have asked for better support."

She proved herself to be a key part of our recent successes, receiving many plaudits for her notable performances in the Welsh Area victory this year and at the recent All England MastersJason Bevan

Taking over

Gareth will now take over the principal role once more, with Jason Bevan adding: "Gareth is a player of such vast experience that being able to secure a new principal to replace Vicki so quickly has ensured continuity.

He is no stranger to the role as earlier this year he stepped in for Vicki at the Welsh Open, and won both the Best Cornet and Best Instrumentalist awards."

Goodbye

The band has also said goodbye to cornet player Matt Murray following the completion of his university studies, whilst Steve Evans joins on the front-row from Rogerstone.

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    


Duncan Beckley MBE

Death of Duncan Beckley MBE

September 29 • The death has been announced of Duncan Beckley, a pioneering figure of inspiration within the banding movement.


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Pemberton Old (Wigan) DW leads the prize winners in a great day of entertainment in Chorley — with section wins for Roberts Bakery, Poulton-le-Fylde, Rivington & Adlington and Driffield Silver.


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

September 29 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd