*
banner

Odds change at Aldbourne as Johnson leaves MD role

The eight year partnership between David Johnson and Aldbourne Band has come to an end after MD says the musical odds are no longer in his favour.

Aldbourne
  The partnership between Aldbourne and David Johnson has come to an end after eight successful years.

4BR has been informed that the musical partnership between David Johnson and Aldbourne Band has come to an end after eight successful years.

During that period the band from Wiltshire claimed the West of England Regional First Section, Senior Trophy and National Championship titles in 2011, as well as gaining promotion to the Championship Section.

Success

There they secured promotion to the Grand Shield, narrowly missing out on qualification to the British Open, and qualifying for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2016 where they ended a highly creditable ninth.

In 2017 they failed to qualify for London and came ninth at the Grand Shield. The last contest performance together was their runner-up finish at the SWBBA Contest in November.

Sadness

David told 4BR: "It's with regret and sadness that I have been forced to part company with Aldbourne with immediate effect.

After a very productive association lasting over eight years, overseeing a rise from First to the Championship Section and qualifying for the National Finals, it has become impossible to work with the new committee leadership put in place six months ago."

It's become apparent that their expectations, standards and vision are very much at odds with my own and I felt that my musical integrity was increasingly compromisedDavid Johnson

At odds

He added: "It's become apparent that their expectations, standards and vision are very much at odds with my own and I felt that my musical integrity was increasingly compromised.

Looking forward, having recently retired from the Royal Marines Band Service after 27 years, I am excited to have the opportunity to explore some exciting and new musical projects in 2018."

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    


British Open

Spring Festival hotel deals available direct

May 16 • The British Open organisers are working with leading hotels in Birmingham to see them offer 2026 Spring Festival competitors exclusive deals.


bRITISH oPEN

British Open tickets on sale

May 16 • The box office will open at 10.00am on Friday 16th May for tickets for the 171st British Open Championship.


Open test

Study scores now available for Open test-piece

May 16 • If you want to make sure you have a better idea about what will be heard at Symphony Hall you can get your hands on a study score now.


Linz

Linz to welcome Euros in 2026

May 16 • The European Championships will return to Linz in 2026 — with tickets going on sale in October.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player, maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd