*
banner

Ibstock tenure comes to an end for Willis

The musical partnership between Simon Willis and Ibstock Brick Brass has come to an end after five and a half successful years together.

Ibstock
  The musical partnership between Simon Willis and Ibstock has come to an end.

The five and a half year musical partnership between Simon Willis and Ibstock Brick Brass has come to an end, following the news that the popular MD has taken the decision to relinquish the role.

Area champion

It brings to an end a successful association started in 2014 and which has brought a great deal of success, including winning the Midlands Area Second Section title in 2016. The band also gained a hat-trick of Bolsover podium finishes and earlier this year came third at the Butlins Mineworkers Second Section Championship.

Simon's final concert appearance came at a local concert in Ripley on the weekend.

Proud

He told 4BR: "I'm incredibly proud of the performances that we've given during my tenure on both the contest and concert platform. Ibstock was the first contesting band that I conducted on an ongoing basis and it's been an excellent development experience.

I'm very grateful for the opportunity that I've been given and I wish a great band well for the future."

I'm very grateful for the opportunity that I've been given and I wish a great band well for the futureSimon Willis

Thanks

In response, Band Manager Ian Partner added: "Simon took on the role at a very difficult time for the band and he has led us with skill and professionalism.

We would like to thank him for his commitment to the band and we wish him well with his next challenge."

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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd