*
banner

Fairey add experience to front row ranks

Norman Christie is the new old head on the front row cornet bench at Fairey.

Fairey
 

The Fairey Band has announced the signing of the vastly experienced cornet player Norman Christie to their front row team.

Taught by the legendary cornet star Derek Garside, Norman went on to play principal cornet for Lockwood Band, before enjoying considerable success with first Brighouse & Rastrick and then Black Dyke.

Kings of Brass

Following a brief spell with Leyland and a return to Brighouse, family commitments led to a move away from top flight banding, although he thoroughly enjoyed a number of years at Diggle Band, as well as being being a proud member of 'Kings of Brass'.

It's always wonderful to have talented youth in a band, but there is no substitute for experience — and none has more or better than NormanNigel Beasley

Looking forward

He told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to working with Garry Cutt and to having a successful and enjoyable time with Fairey."

Fairey Band spokesperson Nigel Beasley added: "It's always wonderful to have talented youth in a band, but there is no substitute for experience — and none has more or better than Norman."

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    


A4 Quartet

A4 Brass Quartet set for start of London recital series

October 28 • The award winning A4 Brass Quartet will start new collaboration with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London this Friday.


Invercargill

Cosmic challenge at New Zealand Championships

October 28 • The test pieces for the 2027 New Zealand National Championships have been announced — led by 'The Cosmographic Mystery' by Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen.


Flowers

Flowers mark Euro triumph with special presentations

October 28 • The European Champion has marked its memorable victory in Linz with special commemorative awards to its players.


Whit Friday

Uppermill warning of Whit Friday last chord

October 28 • The organisers of the Uppermill Whit Friday contest are asking for urgent volunteer help to continue 120 years of history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd