*
banner

Skelmersdale welcome back Coulsen as new MD

Ben Coulsen has been appointed as the new Musical Director of Skelmersdale Prize Band.

coulsen
  Ben Coulsen has became the new MD back at his home town band

Skelmersdale Prize Band has announced the appointment of Ben Coulson as its new Musical Director.

It marks a return to the band where Ben started his musical journey — one that saw him go on to become a respected principal cornet player with Blackburn & Darwen Band before moving onto flugel and playing with Hammonds.

Having recently qualified as a music teacher he is now returning to his hometown of Wigan after successfully securing a job in Warrington and is looking forward to beginning his conducting career back with Skelmersdale.

Exciting changes

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Through the years Ben has been a regular visitor and friend to the band, so all members are happy to welcome him back.

We look forward to the exciting changes and challenges that a new MD brings, and we are confident that there is much success on the horizon with Ben at the helm."

This attitude is something I now bring home as I look forward to conducting a band with a great history and futureBen Coulson

Total commitment

In response the new MD told 4BR: "With Hammonds I was fortunate to enjoy playing at the best contests and concerts in some amazing venues.

The best part for me though was the amazing team spirit. I think it's too rare now to find a band where every player has total commitment, whilst also enjoying a great social time as a group of 25 good friends.

This attitude is something I now bring home as I look forward to conducting a band with a great history and future."

The band also announced the signings Chris and Wendy Thorpe and Darren Fawcett.

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    


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd