*
banner

Watkins takes the helm at Slaithwaite

Ryan Watkins has been appointed the new MD at Slaithwaite Band

Ryan Watkins
  Ryan Watkins has become the new MD at Slaithwaite Band

Slaithwaite has announced the appointment of Ryan Watkins as their new Musical Director.

The Brighouse & Rastrick principal trombone player takes over the role following the departure of conductor Andrew Baker

Up and coming

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Ryan really is one of the up and coming stars, both as a player and MD. The band has followed his successful time with Trinity Girls and was impressed by his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm. We look forward to a successful future together".

Ryan really is one of the up and coming stars, both as a player and MDSlaithwaite

Great work

In response Ryan added: "Slaithwaite is certainly a band on the up. Having already attended a few rehearsals and with no empty chairs, you can clearly hear that they are eager to continue the great work of former conductors Rob Westacott and Andrew Baker. The offer to join was too good to turn down."

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    


Victoria Wood

Last 5 tickets left for NYBBGB in Manchester...

April 18 • There is just room for a quintet of listeners for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain at the RNCM in Manchester later today...


pARLIAMENT

BBE returns to Parliament

April 18 • Brass Bands England met MPs in Parliament to reignite support to meet the challenges ahead for bands across the UK.


Linz

UK trio to showcase European preparations

April 18 • Flowers, Tredegar and Whitburn will putting the finishing touches to their European Championship preparations — and you can hear how they are getting on.


Fleetwood

Enjoy the Fleetwood action next weekend.

April 18 • If you can't make it in person then why not sit back and enjoy the brass band action from anywhere in the world...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd