*
banner

New associate joins Blackburn & Darwen

Matt Whitfield has joined Blackburn & Darwen Band as their new Associate Conductor.

Blackburn and Darwen Band
 

The Blackburn & Darwen Band has announced the appointment of Matt Whitfield as their new Associate Conductor.

He graduated from the University of Salford in 2012 with an Honours Degree in Music, where he was awarded the Roy Newsome Conducting Prize in his final year.

Direct work

Matt recently left Black Dyke after a successful two year spell on percussion to concentrate on conducting, and will work directly with Musical Director Nick Sheppard as well as still playing percussion.

It’s great to have Matt on board. He brings with him a wealth of experience and new ideas to strengthen the band for the futureBlackburn & Darwen Band

New ideas

Band Chairman Chris Blaylock told 4BR: "It’s great to have Matt on board. He brings with him a wealth of experience and new ideas to strengthen the band for the future. We all look forward to working with him."

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    


British Open

British Open ticket sale date announced

May 22 • The general sale of tickets for the 172nd British Open Championships will open on Friday 29th May.


NYBBGB

New Horizons repeat for NYBBGB on You Tube

May 22 • The concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain featuring the world premiere of 'Victoria Wood: A Laugh Less Ordinary' is now available to enjoy on You Tube.


Wantage

One out of three for Wantage

May 22 • The Welsh Open champion is enjoying the challenge of reaching out to new audiences.


Pershore

Full day of brass entertainment at Pershore

May 22 • The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival takes place on July 4th.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Silk Brass

May 21 • Musical Director. Silk Brass are looking to recruit a suitably experienced person to take on this challenging and exciting position.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd