*
banner

Besses looking forward in 200th year

Despite some lean times of late one of the most famous names in brass banding is back on the road to full strength recovery.

Besses
  New signings have helped boost the fortunes of Besses in their 200th year

Besses o' th' Barn is certainly looking forward to the future after suffering some lean times of late.

200th anniversary

One of the most evocative names of brass banding history, in May of last year they were struggling to survive with only a core of twelve regular players.

However, the appointment of experienced MD Trevor Halliwell has been a turning point and under his leadership and with the commitment of that small core of members, they are back to very nearly full strength in what is their 200th year of existence.

the appointment MD Trevor Halliwell has been a turning point and under his leadership and with the commitment of that small core of members, they are back to very nearly full strength in what is their 200th year of existence4BR

New players

Many new members have come in, such as Bethany Moore on principal cornet and her father Paul on solo cornet, whilst Tony Condron and Mandi Houghton have joined the back row cornets.

Claire Marriott-Lodge joined the horn section with her daughter Alice on baritone alongside John Hall. Jennifer Smith and Stephanie James have added to the trombone section with John-Paul Wiseman on EEb tuba and Harvey Rogerson and Conor Stevens on percussion.

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    


BBW

Bliss and White claim BBW CD of the Year accolades

December 24 • CD releases by Black Dyke Band and Sheona White have claimed the Brass Band World magazine CD of the Year awards.


EBBA

EBBA thanks banding community

December 24 • The European Brass Band Association has thanked the banding community for its contribution and commitment to peaceful and joyful musical rivalry in 2024.


Golden Bough

A Golden Bough taste of Christmas

December 24 • The Ensemble of the Golden Bough provide just the right performance to put you in the mood for a reflective Christmas...


Hamonds

Hammonds ready for Christmas broadcast

December 24 • The Hammonds Band had a bit of a successful run out for their Christmas Day broadcast on BBC 1 with a great event at Halifax Minster.


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 24 • Solo Baritone Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line up building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


James Chamberlain

BMus (Hons) PGCE
Conductor, Teacher


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd