*
banner

Skipsey reflects on Bradford journey

4BR catches up with Lee Skipsey following the announcement that he has stepped down as Musical Director of the City of Bradford Band — an organisation he helped inspire on its own journey to amazing success.

Lee Skipsey
  The crowning glory of the decade was leading the band to a top 10 finish at the National Finals

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to the inspirational conductor who in a decade was the musical inspiration behind the rise of the City of Bradford Band organisation — from the Third Section to a top 10 finish at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Its been an incredible journey — with National title success for not one but two bands in the organisation, the creation of a structure that allows players to develop as they wish and friends who have made it all possible.

Lee talks about his time with the band and the people who gave so much to help them achieve so much and in laying the foundations that he believes will see them continue to flourish.

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    


Trevor Herbert

The Brass Band Story gains 'In Tune' feature

July 15 • Prof Trevor Herbert will talk about his latest brass band book on the Radio 3 'In Tune' programme this evening.


Easington

BBC spotlight for Lawson and Easington

July 15 • The outstanding dedication of Peter Lawson of Easington Colliery Band has been the focus of a BBC 'Our Lives' documentary programme.


Scoland

Funding shortfalls spotlighted by Scotsman

July 15 • The challenges of funding peripatetic music services in Scotland have come under scrutiny once again in the media.


NXTOD

Free live broadcast from Bandamonium

July 15 • You can enjoy all the great brass band entertainment at the Bandamonium event in Devon for free later this month.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 14 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on MONDAY 20th at 11 am in our bandroom.. We would welcome players of all ages and abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Of course there is tea and cake !!!. And you can even choose a piece to play


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 13 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We currently have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player, a 2nd EUPHONIUM player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd