*
banner

New quartet to spearhead inspiration at University of Huddersfield

Students at the University of Huddersfield will be inspired by a quartet of world class brass musicians — and you can find out more at a special Open Day this week.

Huddersfield
  Four new tutors will help inspire students at the University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield has announced that it will be holding a special Open Day on Friday 30th November to invite prospective students to find out more about the type of courses it has to offer.

Brass students will be especially interested to learn that four new musicians will join the music department.

Cornet and trombone

UoH Head of Brass, Richard Ward told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome a new quartet of fantastic musicians in Kirsty Abbotts on cornet, Kevin Holbrough on jazz trombone, David Nesbitt-Rex on tuba and Daniel Thomas on euphonium.

Kirsty is one of the leading and most respected cornet players in the world and a Yamaha Performance Artist. As a graduate of the University, it's fantastic that she will now be able to inspire the next generation of students.

As everyone knows, Kirsty is a remarkable performer with a cornet sound that has enchanted audiences and adjudicators alike — as her amazing list of solo accolades and awards show.

Kevin is one of the leading 'go to' jazz trombone and session musicians. Whether it be pop, jazz, commercial recordings or tour groups. He is regarded in such high regard by his playing peers and associates and it is a great opportunity for students to learn form him."

Tuba and euphonium

He added: "We are especially pleased that tuba players will benefit from the skills of David Nesbitt-Rex — rightly regarded as one of the finest tuba players of his generation.

As well as a remarkable career in brass bands with the likes of Black Dyke and many of the UK's leading orchestras, his breadth of performance knowledge from solo engagements, chamber music, to rock/pop/electronic and avant-garde will make him an essential addition to our team.

And as for an inspirational euphonium player — there can be none better than Daniel Thomas of Black Dyke.

A former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner he is regarded as the finest young euphonium player of his generation."

We are extremely proud of the facilities and opportunities the University has to offer students, and I hope as many as possible take the opportunity to visit us on the Open Day to visit the campus and find out moreHead of Brass, Richard Ward

Proud

Richard concluded: "We are extremely proud of the facilities and opportunities the University has to offer students, and I hope as many as possible take the opportunity to visit us on the Open Day to visit the campus and find out more."

Contact and information

If you'd like a chat or have questions about what we do people can contact me on richard.ward@hud.ac.uk

More information: https://www.hud.ac.uk/open-days/undergraduate/

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd