*
banner

Garforth revived after 4BR spotlight

A never say die attitude and great long terms plans attract new players to Garforth Brass.

Garforth
 

After their story was highlighted on 4BR which showed the ‘never say die’ attitude of Garforth Brass, the Yorkshire band has reported that their well publicised desire to work towards a long term sustainable future has proved a clarion call to enthusiastic, committed players.

Welcome signings

Now the band has reported that they have welcomed a number of new faces to the band — led by the vastly experienced Alun Perry on principal cornet.

He has been joined by seasoned trumpet jazz musician Tom Lilley as ‘bumper-up’ who is now loving his new found involvement in the brass band environment.

The back row cornets are boosted by Lisa Thorpe, whilst the solo horn and first horn seats has been filled by Emma Binns and Sam Watson.

Troms and lower brass

Liz Edwards joins from Haworth Brass on solo euphonium and is joined by Adrian Longbottom.

The trombone section see the welcome signing of principal Nick Crawley, first trombone Sam Hughes and bass trombone Richard Jones.

The bass section is added to by solo EEb tuba Steve Hayward, whilst the percussion section welcomes brothers Jake and Jack Manktelow.

From the abyss

MD, Mark Wildie told 4BR: "From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracle — and it has all come about after our plight, our determination and our well thought out future plans were publicised on 4BR."

From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracleMD, Mark Wildie

Fantastic job

He added: "Band Manager Christine Keith has done a fantastic job sometimes working through the night to bring in the players, and it is brilliant that we have the right players who come to us because they love to play brass band music in a wonderful, hard working brass band atmosphere."

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    


Childs

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Prof Nicholas Childs

January 22 • We find out more about the programme of music from this world and beyond to be featured on Saturday evening at the RNCM from the Queensbury band and Galactico soloists.


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


HYDE BAND

January 22 • WE HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES (POSITIONS NEGOTIABLE) Come and join our friendly First Section Band based in the New forest, and enjoy working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contest.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd