*
banner

Buchan takes Harrogate lead

Geneva Instrument's, Managing Director, Craig Buchan has taken over the baton duties at Harrogate Band.

harrogate
 

Harrogate Band has informed 4BR that Craig Buchan has been appointed as its new musical director.

Popular

Craig, who is seen around the banding globe as the MD of Geneva Instruments, has been a playing member of the band for a year on tenor horn, was appointed assistant MD last summer but has been conducting the band since December.

Enjoyment

Craig is really enjoying his new role as he told 4BR: "I've thoroughly enjoyed leading the band and expanding and developing our repertoire. There's a group of committed friendly players here who are great to work with.

Harrogate's a culturally vibrant place with a variety of festivals and a rich array of musical and artistic groups. I'm keen we make the most of all the opportunities the town can give us".

I've thoroughly enjoyed leading the band and expanding and developing our repertoire. There's a group of committed friendly players here who are great to work with~Craig BUchan

Fun

Craig's love of banding shines through in the rehearsals. Cornet player Helen Garrett has been playing for the band for over ten years and commented: "Rehearsals are fun and focussed. I always look forward to coming to band practice it’s a supportive environment which brings out the best in the players and that’s down to Craig’s style".

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


EBBC

2026 European Championship ticket sale date announced

January 16 • Tickets for the 47th European Brass Band Championships in Linz will go on sale on Tuesday 20th January.


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd