*
banner

New foundation duo at Cory

A new BBb tuba team will provide the foundation for National champion Cory.

New signings
 

National champion Cory has announced the signing of Tim Evans on Bb Bass, following the recent retirement of long serving player Fraser Bish.


Regarded as one of the best BBb tuba players in Wales, Tim first joined the band back in 1997, before going on to enjoy successful tenures with the likes of BTM, Blaenavon and the National Youth Band of Wales.

Delighted

MD Philip Harper told 4BR: "Tim has been filling in for Fraser a fair amount in recent weeks and, when Fraser retired I was delighted when he agreed to take on the role on a full-time basis. He is an extremely sought after BBb tuba player with a great pedigree and you can see the hunger for success in his eyes!"

Commenting about his Cory return, Tim added: "I feel honoured to get this chance again to play for such an amazing band, with awesome players at every stand and one brilliant conductor in the middle."

Promoted

Meanwhile, Rob Nicholson has been promoted to Principal Bb Bass.

A student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Rob played for Woodfalls before signing for Cory on taking up his studies in Cardiff in 2012.

I feel honoured to get this chance again to play for such an amazing band, with awesome players at every stand and one brilliant conductor in the middleTim Evans

Finest

Philip Harper added: "Rob was actually my first ever signing as Cory MD, and has proved to be one of the finest.

You can't imagine a more hard-working and loyal bandsman, who has been thoroughly committed to the Cory cause since day one. He is a natural Bb Bass player with a wonderful rich sound, a fabulous technique, and a massive range.

As a pupil of Nigel Seaman at RWCMD Rob is getting the best possible guidance, and I know he will seize this chance with both hands."

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd