*
banner

Watkins becomes latest Geneva resident

Brighouse & Rastrick principal trombonist becomes the latest high profile addition to take up Geneva residency.

Ryan Watkins
 

Brighouse & Rastrick principal trombonist Ryan Watkins is the latest high profile player to join the ranks of Geneva Instruments performing artists.

Successful

Currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tuition of Rob Holiday and Simon Cowen, Ryan has been a member of the Yorkshire champions for two years, having previously played with Shepherds Group, Yorkshire Imperial DUT, Carlton Main Frickley, Hepworth and Fairey.

In addition to his busy schedule with Brighouse, Ryan also performs with Austonley Brass, a new ten piece brass ensemble featuring some of the best brass players in the North West, and the highly successful oompah band Jäger maestros.

Award winner

In 2012, Ryan was presented with the British Trombone Society ‘Young Trombonist of the Year’ award and earlier this year progressed to the brass final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

Love the sound

Speaking about his new partnership with Geneva Instruments Ryan told 4BR: "Despite only having got my hands on the Geneva models a few weeks, I've instantly come to love the sound that's produced, in particular the new Symphony model."

He added: "The trombone feels really easy to play at all ranges, and is particularly exceptional in producing the large, symphonic sound that trombone players desire and aspire to.

I would strongly recommend and encourage trombone players to try the Geneva Symphony trombone models for themselves."

I would strongly recommend and encourage trombone players to try the Geneva Symphony trombone models for themselvesRyan Watkins

Contact:

To try the new Geneva Symphony trombone range contact the Geneva Instruments head office on 01642 714464 or email info@genevainstruments.com

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger