*
banner

Top Kat strengthens Friary National prospects

Katherine Hawkins joins the cornet ranks of Friary Guildford as they look towards their Albert Hall National Final assault.

Friary
  Kat will join up with the band for their Albert Hall assault

The London & Southern Counties Regional champion, Friary Guildford has boosted the strength of its cornet ranks as they look towards the second half of the contest year and their appearance at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall and beyond.

Katherine (Kat) Hawkins, joins from Sandhurst Silver. A former principal cornet of the Southern Counties Youth Band, Kat was awarded 'Player of the Week' by Ian Porthouse at this year's annual Easter residential course, and is currently studying Biomedical Science at the University of Surrey.

I'm thrilled to be joining Friary and I'm especially looking forward to the National Finals in OctoberKat Hawkins

Thrilled

She told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to be joining Friary and I'm especially looking forward to playing in the Championship Section."

A band spokesperson commented: "We're delighted to welcome Kat. She's an excellent player who will give us further strength in depth."

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    


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd