*
banner

Foss Dyke hope to take flight under RAF command

Michael Howley, principal euphonium of the Band of The Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, has become the new MD at Foss Dyke Band.

Mike Howley
  Michael Howley takes on the command role at Foss Dyke

Foss Dyke Band has announced that Michael Howley, Principal Euphonium of the Band of The Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, has become their new Musical Director.

Long link

The appointment follows a long link between the Lincolnshire band and the RAF, and sees Michael make a long awaited return to the conducting podium since 2015.

Before then he had enjoyed spells with the likes of Hepworth and Wakefield Metropolitan as well as Arhus and Concord Brass from Denmark.

Right opportunity

He told 4BR: "I've been waiting for the right opportunity to come along. I had a few different offers, but nothing that has excited me, until now. Having worked with the Foss Dyke band over the last few weeks, I can say that I'm delighted to take on the position.

The band is well run and the players are very enthusiastic. I'm looking forward to the challenge and especially the National Finals in Cheltenham."

I had a few different offers, but nothing that has excited me, until now. Having worked with the Foss Dyke band over the last few weeks, I can say that I'm delighted to take on the positionMichael Howley

Delighted

In return, a band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Michael. Having had a few rehearsals with him already we can see how passionate he is about music and we are very excited to see how far the band can progress under his direction."

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    


RAH

MPs vote against Albert Hall ticket proposals

June 16 • A Private Members Bill to amend the constitution of the charity that runs the Royal Albert Hall and its long held ticketing policy has been defeated in Parliament amid accusations of "outrageous profiteering".


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd