*
banner

Shirley enjoys centenary celebrations

The Shirley Band has reached its centenary milestone with a massed celebration...

Shirley
  Conductor David Hirst led the centenary celebrations from the helm

The Shirley Band from Solihull in the West Midlands has just celebrated 100 years of music making with a special centenary concert featuring a massed band made up of current and former members.

Part and current

Led by Principal Conductor, David Hirst, the event also saw former members and friends travel from as far afield as Germany and Austria to attend — including past conductors Dave Lea and Geoff Barber.

The concert featured a range of repertoire — from Bernstein's 'West Side Story' and Etienne Crausaz's 'Balkan Dance' to Philip Harper's 'Salsa Tres Prado' and the ubiquitous finisher of Howard Snell's arrangement of Resphigi's 'Pines of Rome'.

Band Secretary Brian Johnson told 4BR: "It was fabulous to have so many friends join us to celebrate our rich history. We're now looking forward to marking the remainder of our milestone year with a series of other concerts and competitions."

It was fabulous to have so many friends join us to celebrate our rich history. We're now looking forward to marking the remainder of our milestone year with a series of other concerts and competitionsShirley Band

Community band

Shirley Band was formed in 1919 by W H Hodesdon Senior, the grandfather of current President, Donald Hodesdon.

The band plays at many concerts and events throughout the Midlands, but is particularly proud to continue to support its local community for the annual Remembrance Service, as well as putting on its own annual series of concerts.

Future events this year include performing at the forthcoming Pershore Midsummer Brass, a Last Night of the Proms concert in September, and its second annual Children's concert in December.

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    


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


NZ Championships

Exciting Antipodean challenges for NZ Nationals

June 4 • There is an encouraging outlook for the New Zealand Championships in Christchurch next month.


nybbgb

Thornton and Barton set to inspire Childrens Band

June 4 • Dr David Thornton and guest soloist Lewis Barton will lead the musical attractions at the NYBBGB Childrens' Band Summer Concert in August.


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


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


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


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd