*
banner

New MD at Blackley

John Atkinson takes on the role as Musical Director at the Blackley Band.

Blackley Band
 

The Blackley Band has announced the appointment of John Atkinson as their new Musical Director.

Success

The former University of Salford graduate takes over the role recently vacated by Dan Price and is a former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain under Elgar Howarth and Bram Tovey.

He has played with many local bands around the Manchester area including enjoying considerable success with Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band.

We look forward to working with John and continuing where Dan left off. We thank Dan for all of his hard work over the last two years and wish him every success in his future endeavoursBlackley Band

Look forward

John is a secondary school music teacher, with the ethos of giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy making music to the highest level.

Band Secretary Alex Smith told 4BR: “We look forward to working with John and continuing where Dan left off. We thank Dan for all of his hard work over the last two years and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

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    


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


North of England

Judges confirmed for North of England Regional Championships

February 1 • The adjudication teams for the North of England Regional Championships have been announced.


Linz

2026 European Championships set-works announced

January 31 • A quartet of works by Austrian composers will be heard as the test-pieces in Linz.


Vary

Voice of Trumpet awarded Leonard Bernstein accolade

January 31 • French trumpet soloist Lucienne Renaudin Vary claims one of the most prestigious solo performer awards


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd