*
banner

Swiss star steps down from principal role

The outstanding Patrick Vergeres has stepped down as principal cornet of Brass and 13 Etoiles after enjoying a 27 year association with the band — and two decades on the end chair.

Patrick
  Patrick enjoyed 20 years as principal cornet of 13 Etoiles

One of Swiss banding's most respected cornet players has announced his departure from one of the nation's leading elite level bands.

Patrick Vergères has stepped down as principal cornet of Brass and 13 Etoiles after enjoying a 27 year association with the band — and two decades on the end chair.

Honour

It will also mark the first time since the year 2000 that he will not lead them at the Swiss National Championships, as he told 4BR that he wanted to make his decision and leave with the minimum of fuss.

"It's been a position that I have been honoured to hold and I felt now was the best time for me to leave after such a wonderful time. I felt that after 27 years and 20 as principal cornet that the time was right. I wish them all the very best and they will always be close to my heart — and I will remain their biggest fan!"

Loyalty and dedication

Patrick's association and rise through the ranks of 13 Etoiles has been marked by great loyalty and dedication — moving a young player from the organisation's B Band to the A Band — and from Third Cornet to Principal as his playing progressed as his talent blossomed.

He added: "I am so grateful for everything the band has given me. The only thing missing was to be able to help the band win the European Championship, but there have been many other successes to compensate for that — including eight National Championship victories!"

I am so grateful for everything the band has given mePatrick Vergeres

Next generation

During his tenure he gained a worldwide reputation for his playing — marked by a combination of superb technical proficiency and artistic flair.

"Now is the time for the next generation to come through"he said — including his own children, who he hopes will soon join him as he embarks on the next phase of his musical career with Concordia Brass Band in Vétroz.

"I still enjoy playing every day for the pure love of music — and especially when I can hear my children also enjoying doing the same thing.

An exciting new chapter opens with Concordia in Vétroz and I'm really looking forward to it."

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    


Proms

BBE launches major annual events

March 11 • Bands up and down the UK can now sign-up for the free Brass Band Week and Proms in the Playground initiatives


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • Back Row Cornet - due to a change in job, the band has a vacancy for a back row cornet. The band has a lovely atmosphere, and has regular jobs throughout the year as well as taking part in at least two contests.


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • 2nd Trombone - due to work relocation of previous player. A fun loving band who have many regular jobs throughout the year as well as competing in at least two contests each year.


Mereside Brass

March 12 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd