*
banner

Call us Shirley...

The centenary celebrating Midlands band is looking for old Shirley players and supporters to get in touch...

Shirley
  The jacket tells you something about banding in the 1970's...

The centenary celebrating Shirley Band, is calling on former members to join them for its 100th anniversary concert in May.

The First Section band, based in Shirley in Solihull, is also hoping that former players and supporters will get in touch with photographs, memorabilia or stories relating to their proud history.

The band is currently developing under experienced MD, David Hirst and recently claimed a top-six finish at the Midlands Regional Championships in Bedworth.

Shirley Band was formed in 1919 by W H Hodesdon Senior, the grandfather of the band's current President, Donald Hodesdon, and is particularly proud to continue to support its local community4BR

Anniversary

Band Secretary Brian Johnson, told 4BR: "We are really looking to welcoming back former members or anyone associated with us for our anniversary concert. We're hoping that it will also feature a number of items boosted by alumni."

Shirley Band was formed in 1919 by W H Hodesdon Senior, the grandfather of the band's current President, Donald Hodesdon, and is particularly proud to continue to support its local community.

The concert will be held on Saturday 11th May.

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd