*
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    


kAPITOL

2026 National Finals test-pieces announced

March 30 • Works by Philip Sparke, Andrew Wainwright, Eric Ball, Thierry Deleruyelle and Peter Graham will challenge the Albert Hall and York Barbican finalists.


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd