*
banner

Barry back at the helm in Blighty

Composer Darrol Barry took the opportunity to pick up the baton on his recent trip back to the UK.

Darrol Barry
 

Composer Darrol Barry took time out of his recent holiday break back to the UK to lead rehearsals for the Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Band.

Rehearsal

Darrol led the band in a number of his own compositions as well as other items, whilst it was also great to see and hear Darrol’s wife Rachael playing once again – although she later admitted that after so many years away from banding it took her ten minutes to work out which end of the tenor horn to play!

Thanks

Speaking to 4BR Darrol commented: "I'd like to thank Poynton for inviting me down during my trip back home. The two rehearsals I led were fantastic.

They were so attentive and responsive to everything I asked of them and I look forward to working with them again in the future!"

I'd like to thank Poynton for inviting me down during my trip back home. The two rehearsals I led were fantasticDarrol Barry

Concert

Meanwhile, during late September the band will also be performing at a charity concert in aid of the Together Trust, a charity that provides education for people with communication difficulties.

Performing alongside the band will be West End star, Tasha Sheridan.

Tasha has appeared in a number of West End shows, most notably Mamma Mia where she played the lead role and ‘Carousel’ where she appeared alongside Lesley Garrett CBE.

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Results: 2025 North West Regional Championshipships

February 23 • It's 9 Caret golden wins on the trot from Foden's whilst victories go to Tyldesley, Middleton, Doncross and Darwen Brass at the Winter Gardens.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

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


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd