*
banner

Sykes takes Woodfalls lead

Stephen Sykes becomes the new Musical Director of Woodfalls Band

Stephen Sykes
  Stephen Sykes has taken over the baton at Woodfalls Band

The Woodfalls Band has announced the appointment of Stephen Sykes as its new Musical Director.

The former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year has an extensive CV of achievements as a player in the professional orchestra and elite level brass banding worlds.

Experience

He has performed with the likes of the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Welsh National Opera, as well as Black Dyke, Cory, Tredegar and Fairey Bands. He also won the prestigious Don Lusher Jazz Performance prize and has been an invited soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Over recent years he has steadily increased his conducting experience with band such as SW Comms, Lydbrook and Forest of Dean Brass and has taken the baton at the 2017 West of England Area champion with immediate effect.

Leadership

Woodfalls Band Chairperson, Paul Street told 4BR: "When Stephen took his first rehearsal there was a sense of excitement that we had found someone willing to put in the hard work and give the musical direction and leadership required to lead us back to playing at the top level again."

The band have already enjoyed several rehearsals under Stephen's direction as they plan for a busy Autumn schedule of events.

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Welwyn Garden City Band

April 4 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season ahead of us. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic soprano player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Bass Trombone player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd