*
banner

National Champion strengthens the ranks

The reigning National Fourth Section Champion, Ebbw Valley Brass has strengthened its ranks ahead of its Third Section Regional appearance in LLandudno.

Ebbw Valley
 

Ebbw Valley Brass has announced six new signings ahead of its appearance in the Third Section Welsh Area contest in Llandudno in March.

Six of the best

Tracy Walkerdine has moved from Bream Silver to join on solo horn, whilst Ellen Waite has returned to banding and comes in on solo cornet. Joshua Ruck joins the cornet section whilst the percussion section welcomes Craig Maunder and Matthew Tovey.

The new signings are completed by Andrew Johnson who comes in on solo trombone.

Ritter's delight

Speaking with 4BR, Ebbw Valley MD Gareth Ritter said he was delighted with securing the new signings as the band looks forward to life in the Third Section.

"We have been steadily developing and expanding our team over the past few months.

It’s always sad when players move on to pursue other opportunities, but we wish them well for the future. It was especially sad to lose Andrew Lewis who has played a significant part in the band’s history.

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Derek Howells has had to stop playing, but we are delighted that he has agreed to stay involved in the organisation in another capacity.

The signing of these six players has certainly pushed the band to another level and I look forward to 2014 and what will be another challenging year — starting with the Regionals in March."

The Future

Gareth added: "The band achieved its goals in the Fourth Section by winning the National Finals and gaining over thirty trophies in 2013. We are looking forward to stepping up to the next level to continue those aims — the strength of the band following the new signings certainly puts us in good health ready for the Welsh Area contest."

We are looking forward to stepping up to the next level to continue those aims — the strength of the band following the new signings certainly puts us in good health ready for the Welsh RegionalsGareth Ritter

Academy

Ebbw Valley Brass is now looking to the future and told 4BR that it wants to expand its Academy Band through links with the Local Authority Education Departments.

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.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd