*
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    


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


wITHINGTON

Withington bows out with a Russian flourish

June 15 • The musical partnership between Allan Withington and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band came to an end in France with a memorable musical flourish.


Alison Childs

Dedicated Childs services marked by Black Dyke Band

June 15 • The recent Black Dyke Brass Festival marked the retirement of administrator Alison Childs.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Tintwistle Band

June 15 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled!. As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd