*
banner

New trophy with a memorial role in Yorkshire

A new trophy that honours the late Gary Brown with a touch of difference and wit will be presented at the Yorkshire Regional Championships this year.

Emley
  The trophy is a little bit different to honour a bit of a different bandsman...

The Emley Band has given a new 'Best Percussion' trophy to be presented at the forthcoming Third Section Yorkshire Regional Championships in Huddersfield.

The Gary Brown Memorial Trophy commemorates the band's late chairman who was at the heart of everything Emley achieved and who was responsible for many of the organisation's successful projects both on and off the contest and concert stage.

Percussion section

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The trophy is going to a percussion section even though Gary started out as a bass player.

Following an operation he was unable to muster the puff to carry on playing brass, so undeterred he joined the percussion team and learnt the skills required to play a multitude of instruments!"

They added: "He settled on timpani (it was closest to his mates in the bass section) and as his cancer progressed the mix of band and family helped give him greatly — and none more so than finding out the 2018 test-piece had a timpani solo in it.

That saw him play one more time at Huddersfield at the Yorkshire Area and be a part of another performance."

Following an operation he was unable to muster the puff to carry on playing brass, so undeterred he joined the percussion team and learnt the skills required to play a multitude of instruments!Emley Band

Timp sticks

They added: "Gary's last contest performance with Emley was at the 2019 Brass at the Guild event where he was part of the 'Best Percussion' team.

Because of this, it seemed right to have a trophy in the form of a pair of timp sticks to remember him by."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd