*
banner

New additions bring life to Derwent resurgence

Five new recruits have brought an injection of musical life into the band that has made a stir with its deathly entertainment.

Derwent Brass
  The band has made a real impression on the contest stage of late

Derwent Brass is enjoying its return to the concert and competitive platforms following the pandemic hiatus.

The band caused a bit of a stir at the Bolsover and Wychavon Festivals with their innovative 'Musica De Los Muertos' set penned by Music Director Jack Capstaff, helped by a raft of new recruits.

New quintet

A quintet of new members have joined the ranks, led by Matt Spriggs who takes over as solo euphonium from Adam Rutter who departed after an acclaimed 16 year tenure in the role. Matt recently played with Carlton Main Frickley where he enjoyed a very successful period backed by a fine 27-year career in the Army.

Alongside him came David Holling on baritone and Assistant Music Director. The successful conductor has secured fine results with the likes of Thoresby Colliery and Strata Brass, as well as a composer with works such as 'Phoenix', used as the Butlin's set test in 2015.

Mandy Holling also comes from Carlton Main Frickley on repiano cornet with Ben Jowett making the move to assistant principal cornet.

Bolstering the section further is the arrival of Tom Wallage on solo cornet who joins from Accerler8 Band. Tom has also played solo cornet and principal cornet with Hathern Band.

The final addition is Abbey Watson who joins on tenor horn from Gresley Colliery Band. Abbey has regularly performed with the band as a guest for some years, including at contests and was accepted into the Royal Corps of Army Music before embarking on a successful career in dentistry.

Depth and quality

Speaking about the new appointments, Band Manager Chris Leonard told 4BR: "We couldn't be happier with the recent appointments of Abbey, Dave, Mandy, Matt and Tom. They are all highly talented players that are already adding a real depth and quality to the band.

Adding to this the strength and experience of Dave as Assistant Music Director puts the band in a very strong position for the future.

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd