*
banner

Bates takes baton at Strata Brass

Tenor horn star Jonathan Bates has become the new Musical Director at Yorkshire band Strata Brass.

Jonathan Bates
  Jonathan Bates is the new MD at Strata Brass

Strata Brass has announced the appointment of Jonathan Bates as their new Musical Director. The tenor horn star will take up his new role from 14th May.

Fresh approach

Band spokesperson Paul Wilkinson told 4BR: "We went through a lengthy selection process from several quality applicants and felt that Jonathan's fresh approach and enthusiasm warranted the choice of him as MD.

He has already established himself as one of the finest horn players in the country and that together with his growing reputation as a composer/arranger means he brings with him that experience to his fledgling conducting career."

He has already established himself as one of the finest horn players in the country and that together with his growing reputation as a composer/arranger means he brings with him that experience to his fledgling conducting careerStrata Brass

Enjoyed

Paul added: "The band has thoroughly enjoyed the few rehearsals he has taken and we look forward to developing with him over the coming months."

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    


ebba

Future Europeans to head to Belgium and Denmark

November 9 • Antwerp and Copenhagen have been confirmed as the hosts cities for the 2029 and 2030 European Championships.


Greighallen

World of Brass to live-broadcast Norwegian National Championships

November 8 • The action from the 2027 Norwegian National Championships will be live-streamed by World of Brass on their wobplay.com media platform.


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd