*
banner

Eccles add new quartet to ranks

The ambitious Eccles Band has announced a quartet of new signings.

Eccles Borough
 

The Eccles Band has announced a quartet of signings ahead of the second half of the 2014 contest season.

New signings

The international attraction of the North West band has persuaded Melvin Tay from Singapore to commit full time as solo euphonium after making his debut appearance at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship in Skegness earlier this year.

Meanwhile, a little closer to home, Scotsman John Anderson joins on solo trombone. A worldwide musical traveler, John has played with Buckhaven Town in his home country, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, a local brass band in Gibralter and for the last 13 years with VBS Poynton.

He told 4BR: "I'm very happy to be working under the direction of Mareika Gray, and I’m looking forward to playing in the heat of battle at the upcoming contests with a band that is really going places."

Excited

The solo baritone position has been filled by Gareth Nelson, who moves down from Morecombe, whilst Dave Hamilton comes in on solo BBb tuba following his move to study at the RNCM in Manchester.

He told 4BR: "I'm very excited to have joined a band with bags of potential and I'm looking forward to my contest debut with the band at Wychavon."

We have been building on confidence and strength over the last couple of years and these signings show that we aim to build on thatMD, Marieka Gray

Quality

Eccles MD Marieka Gray also told 4BR that she was delighted that the band had been able to attract players of quality to the ambitious Second Section outfit.

"We have been building on confidence and strength over the last couple of years and these signings show that we aim to build on that.

We have given all four a warm welcome and I look forward to working with them in the future."

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    


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


NZ Championships

Exciting Antipodean challenges for NZ Nationals

June 4 • There is an encouraging outlook for the New Zealand Championships in Christchurch next month.


nybbgb

Thornton and Barton set to inspire Childrens Band

June 4 • Dr David Thornton and guest soloist Lewis Barton will lead the musical attractions at the NYBBGB Childrens' Band Summer Concert in August.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Phillip Lawrence

ARCM PGRNCM MFTCL ARCM B.Mus
Composer, conductor, teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd