*
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    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd