*
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    


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


Linz

Linz European line-ups confirmed

February 18 • 30 bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to try and claim the various European titles on offer.


Nationals

New website for National Championships

February 18 • A new website will bring you all you need to know about the National Championships of Great Britain.


John Ward

Ward takes baton for Friary Area challenge

February 18 • John Ward returns to the conducting rostrum in Stevenage to lead former champion Friary Brass in their Area challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) 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.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd