*
banner

St Austell welcomes new resident

The St Austell Band in Cornwall has welcomed the experienced David Nicholson as its new resident conductor.

Hands
  There will be an extra pair of hands leading the beat at St Austell

The St. Austell Band has announced the appointment of David Nicholson as resident Musical Director.

David will work in close association with Professional Conductor Steve Sykes, and brings a huge amount of experience with him to the role.

Experience

Rooted in the Salvation Army, where he was Bandmaster of the Birmingham Citadel Band for 10 years and a brass instructor at a number of the Army's regional music schools, he is also a former member of the International Staff Band's euphonium section.

David had a break from banding for a number of years when his work required him to be based overseas. However his move to Cornwall three years ago has enabled a return.

There's a sense of unity, purpose and direction here; a solid work ethic and a common desire to strive for the highest possible standardsDavid Nicholson

Sense of unity

He told 4BR: "St. Austell has so many talented and dedicated players, all of whom are ambitious and positive about the future. There's a sense of unity, purpose and direction here; a solid work ethic and a common desire to strive for the highest possible standards.

These are qualities which I believe will contribute to future success. I'm excited to be joining such a group and playing a leadership role in the journey ahead. I already feel part of the St. Austell Town Band family!"

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


EBBC

2026 European Championship ticket sale date announced

January 16 • Tickets for the 47th European Brass Band Championships in Linz will go on sale on Tuesday 20th January.


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd