*
banner

St Helen's Youth to be led by home grown talent

A local lad made good returns to lead St Helen's Youth Band as James Hall takes up MD role.

James Hall
  James Hall returns to St Helen's Youth Band — but now as MD

The St Helen's Youth Band has announced the appointment of its new Musical Director, James Hall.

Local talent

James is a home grown talent — growing up locally before taking up the trombone and joining the band under the leadership of founder Lynda Nicholson. Later, he was awarded a scholarship to study for an undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire, and more recently studied for his Masters at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

he was awarded a scholarship to study for an undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire, and more recently studied for his Masters at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester4BR

Award recipient

He was the featured soloist with the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band when giving the world premiere of a concerto written especially for him by Clara Catt and was a recipient of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble prize in 2015 as part of the quintet 'Lowry Brass'.

He now works in schools for both Lancashire and St. Helen's Music Services as a peripatetic brass teacher and workshop leader.

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


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


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd