*
banner

Abbotts to start exciting new solo and duet future

The multi-award winning principal cornet player Kirsty Abbotts is looking forward to enjoying embarking on two new chapters in her life this weekend.

Kirsty Abbotts
  Yamaha artist Kirsty Abbotts is looking to the future with her marriage and new teaching business.

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery principal cornet player Kirsty Abbotts will start a brace of exciting new musical chapters in her life this weekend.

On Saturday, the Yamaha International artist is to get married to bass trombone player Paul Walker at Nostell Priory in near Wakefield, whilst on her return she will be ready to promote her new teaching, soloist and tuition business; http://kirsty-abbotts.com/

Last minute preparation

"It's all been a bit hectic in the last couple of weeks,"Kirsty admitted to 4BR.

"We are usually a very organised pair, but just like rehearsing for a major championship like the British Open, it's the last minute polish and preparation that makes all the difference."

Sykes role

In a lovely touch Kirsty is to be given away at the ceremony by Ray Sykes MBE, the person who has done so much to help her as a performer and as a friend over many years. "I couldn't think of anyone better,"

Kirsty added. "Ray and his family have done so much for me since I came to Carlton Main that the day wouldn't have been complete without him playing his role".

New business

During her tenure as principal cornet Kirsty has won a plethora of 'Best Soloist' awards, and on her return from a short honeymoon in Scotland, she has decided to pass on that experience and knowledge by setting up her own teaching, tuition and soloist business.

"This really is a new chapter in my life, and I also want to be able to give back something to a new generation of young players. I was taught by the best and I want to now pass on my experience to help others develop and progress."

This really is a new chapter in my life, and I also want to be able to give back something to a new generation of young players. I was taught by the best and I want to now pass on my experience to help others develop and progressKirsty

Inspire youngsters

Kirsty added: "I will be giving individual and group lessons, using new technology to reach out abroad and hopefully inspiring more youngsters to love playing in brass bands.

I'm getting increasingly busy with solo commitments, but this new venture will enable me to balance all this busy aspects with my banding at Carlton Main which I love so much."

Find out more

To find out more about contacting Kirsty about teaching, tuition and solo engagements, go to: http://kirsty-abbotts.com/news/

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    


Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne


Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.


yOUTH

Brass Bands England unable to offer BOPA service from 2027

September 8 • The Department for Education confirms BBE's National Body of Personal Approval will end in April 2027.


walkers

Poetry, brass and recovery...

September 8 • A wonderful joint venture of poetry, brass band music and wonderful countryside will help people at stages of different personal recoveries.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd