*
banner

New signing adds to the Haslingden ranks

The talented Billy McCrief has joined Haslingden & Helmshore Band.

Haslingden
  Haslingden & Helmshore has signed the talented Billy McCrief.

The renaissance of the Haslingden & Helmshore Band continues with news that the Rossendale based Buxton Festival champion has signed the talented Billy McCrief as their new solo baritone.

Billy a second year student at Manchester University, where he plays principal euphonium in their student university band, and recently came along to a rehearsal where he immediately felt at home.

Fantastic

He told 4BR: "Everyone was so friendly and I enjoyed a fantastic rehearsal with great musicians led by MD Simon Cowen."

Meanwhile, Band Manager Phil Smith added: "I'd heard Billy's name mentioned a few times as a player to watch out for, and that was conformed when he came for a blow. He's a lovely lad and a fine player who fits in so well with our musical ethos under Simon Cowen."

I'm delighted to welcome Billy. He is a real talent as a player and I'm looking forward to working with him in the bandSimon Cowen

Delighted

He in turn added: "I'm delighted to welcome Billy. He is a real talent as a player and I'm looking forward to working with him in the band."

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    


Yorkshire Area

Yorkshire announces adjudication line-up

October 17 • The adjudicators that will make the all important decisions at the 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships have been announced.


SiddisBrass

SIDDIS announces line-up of bands and judges

October 17 • 62 bands will compete at Stavanger Konserthus for the SIDDIS Entertainment Championships.


Shirley Band

Howe to lead Shirley Band

October 17 • Kieron Howe has been appointed as the new Musical Director of Shirley Band.


Desford

Desford reaching wider audience following National win

October 16 • The wider public media have been keen to broadcast the news of Desford's memorable National Championship victory.


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd