*
banner

New horizons for Jersey as MD heads to Spain

Jersey Premier Brass will be led by a new MD as their inspirational founding conductor Tim Pritchard prepares to take his leave to Spain.

Jersey
  Tim Pritchard led Jersey Premier to a National title in 2005

Jersey Premier Brass has announced that Musical Director Tim Pritchard will be relinquishing his role with the band in August as he moves with his family to live and work in Spain.

Inspirational

The inspirational conductor was one of the founding members of the band in 1997 and has since led them to unprecedented success — rising from the Third Section to the Championship Section in the process. The most recent accolade came in gaining a podium finish at the 2018 French Open Championship.

The band also claimed the London & Southern Counties Third, Second and First Section titles under his tenure — as well as the Third Section National Championship of Great Britain title in 2005 — a remarkable achievement given that they hail from the Channel Island crown dependency with no real history of brass band music making.

Crowning glory

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Tim has directed the band with such energy and professionalism that we exceeded all expectations of what we first though we would achieve.

Placing Jersey and the band on the musical map is his crowning glory. He has been a truly inspirational conductor."

Tim's last concert with the band will take place on Thursday 2nd of August, before he and his wife Angela pack the family bags and head to off to teach at the International School in Marbella.

Tim has directed the band with such energy and professionalism that we exceeded all expectations of what we first though we would achieveJersey Premier Brass.

New MD

It was announced that Brent Connan, currently a percussionist with the band will take over the Director Music role.

The spokesperson added: "Brent has been with the band for many years and also is very well known in the music scene in Jersey. His leadership will be equally strong and everyone is thoroughly supportive and excited about the future with him at the front of us.

It is an exciting time for the band — especially as we seek a new rehearsal facility on the island."

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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd