*
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    


markham

Results: 2026 Welsh Regional Championships

March 14 • Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen claim titles with the Championship Section to come.


Pendennis

Results: 2026 West of England Regional Championships

March 14 • Lympstone, Lanner & District and Pendennis Brass claim the first day titles of the Torquay weekend


Shine

Ready to shine? NYBBGB offer audition skills workshops

March 14 • There are a trio of FREE audition skills workshops on offer from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to help young player's skills sets.


Doodles

Doodles Area boost

March 14 • The expert mouthpiece replating servicer has enjoyed an Area boost — with more to come.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a welcoming 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting Band , we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements for the year.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd