*
banner

Yamaha Neo Ensemble to make Butlins debut

The Neo Brass Ensemble will make its concert debut at the Butlins Mineworkers Festival in Skegness in January.

yAMAHA nEO
 

Yamaha have marked the completion of their ‘Neo’ brass range of instruments by forming the Neo Brass Ensemble.

The group, comprising nine top musicians selected from throughout Europe, will be led by long-standing Yamaha cornet artist Russell Gray.

Debut

The Neo Brass Ensemble will make their debut at the Butlins Mineworkers Festival to be held in Skegness from January 16th–18th.

The debut performance is seen as celebrating a major milestone for Yamaha, as it becomes the only manufacturer able to fully equip a brass band by providing a complete range – at the highest level – of both brass and percussion instruments.

Very pleased

Yamaha's Stephen Adcock told 4BR: “We are very pleased that Yamaha has achieved the position of becoming the only company that can offer the full range of instruments for an entire brass band – from the most professional artists to aspiring beginners, where it all starts.

We are committed to developing our Neo range and have invested in ensuring that our instruments meet the demanding standards at the top level.

We’re looking forward to showcasing the Neo Brass Ensemble at the Festival in January and we hope this debut performance will be the first of many throughout Europe.”

We’re looking forward to showcasing the Neo Brass Ensemble at the Festival in January and we hope this debut performance will be the first of many throughout EuropeYamaha's Stephen Adcock

International mix

Russell Gray has provided valuable advice to Yamaha in developing the Neo Cornet, and many other Neo ensemble members have contributed to the design of the entire range. The group represents a truly international mix, with a passion to help develop the best possible brass instruments.

The Neo line up is as follows:

Russell Gray — Musical Director & Cornet (UK)
Stanley Westh — Cornet (Denmark)
George Thackray — Tenor Horn (UK)
Margaret Antrobus — Baritone (Norway)
Steve Walsh — Euphonium (UK)
Armin Bachmann — Trombone (Switzerland)
Eirik Gjerdevik — EEb Bass (Norway)
Simon Gresswell — BBb Bass (UK)
Craig Farr — Percussion (Norway)

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    


Albert Hall

Albert Hall qualification reversed

August 6 • The top four bands at this year's Championship Section National Final will gain an automatic invitation to the 2026 contest.


mANGER

King leads conducting trio at Manger

August 5 • Prof David King, Magnus Brandseth and Tormod Flaten will mastermind the musical challenges of the Norwegian National Champion.


Angus

Talent showcase at NYBBGB Course

August 5 • Eight talented performers battled it out to be crowned Harry Mortimer Solo Award winner.


Tredegar

Tredegar join the Rath pack

August 5 • The trombone section of the Welsh Champion are now ambassadors for Rath Trombones.


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Elland Silver Band

August 5 • Are seeking a SOLO CORNET player and a 3rd CORNET player to complete our line up for our exciting autumn / winter season of concerts & contests. Rehearsals are Monday & Thursday evenings 8 -10pm at our bandroom in Elland HX5 9AZ.


wantage silver band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have a vacancy for a BASS PLAYER, Eb or Bb. The band are ideally looking for an experienced player but are committed to giving younger players opportunities. There are always openings to teach and conduct at WSB too.


Petworth Town Band

August 4 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome new players to join us and our happy band of players.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd