*
banner

Death of Tony Bushnell

The death has been announced of the popular bandsman Tony Busnell.

Tony Bushnell
  The death has been announced of the popular bandsman Tony Bushnell (above)

The death has been announced of Tony Bushnell. The respected bandsman passed away on 6th August aged 63.

Born in Bradford, he played at all levels on almost every seat (managing to his delight to avoid the soprano and BBb bass) and was known for his friendly nature, wealth of knowledge and patient enthusiasm to help anyone he could.

Bradford roots

He discovered his love for banding back in the 1960s with the Bradford Youth Band under Tom Atkinson, before moving to Bradford Victoria Band.

In the 1970s, he moved to Nottingham due to his teacher training and played with Desford under Albert Chappell and Howard Snell, forming part of the team that played 'Energy' an entire minute faster than any other performance at the 1980 British Open.

He moved to Carlton Band in the mid-1980s until work took him to Poole in 1987, where he enjoyed a few years at Bournemouth Concert Band.

Final playing move

In 1990, he made his final move to Portsmouth and joined Luckett's Travel (Southsea) Band, enjoying successes under Jon Lush-Camps and Lt Col Chris Davis until the band folded.

Tony then spent his time concentrating on local bands, most notably for over 20 years with Blendworth Brass, playing, conducting and helping to run. This was where his two sons primarily spent their earlier years playing and also where he met his wife, Juliet.

he played with Desford under Albert Chappell and Howard Snell, forming part of the team that played 'Energy' an entire minute faster than any other performance at the 1980 British Open4BR

Service

Retiring in 2016, he spent time between the UK and France, where he played with the Orchestre d'Harmonie d'Ernée. He passed away after a sudden and brief illness in France.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday 2nd September at 2.00pm at the Latter Day Saint Chapel, North End, Portsmouth.

Everyone is welcome to attend and also to bring their instrument (and stand) to play some of Tony's favourite pieces.

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    


Crown Court

Former conductor given child offence sentence

July 24 • Ben Coulson is given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and is required to sign the sex offenders' register for the next decade as part of his Crown Court sentencing.


BBE Conference

Last chance to claim free member ticket to BBE Brass Band Conference

July 24 • Your will need to be quick to book your ticket to be part of an exciting day looking towards the future of the brass banding movement.


National Final

Albert Hall judges announced

July 24 • Dr Stephen Cobb, Ian Bousfield and Rob Wiffin will be charged with picking a winner at the Royal Albert Hall in October.


nybbs

Skills and creativity boosted on NYBBS Course

July 24 • In addition to the music making the players on the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Summer course are learning extra skills.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • Moving to the West Midlands this autumn or fancy a change of bandroom scenery? . The band are looking to recruit a 2nd Euphonium and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd