*
banner

Lithuanian link boosts Sovereign

SPAL Sovereign Brass welcomes the signing of Lithuanian student to their cornet section.

Sovereign
  MD Alan Gifford welcomes his new signing

Midlands based SPAL Sovereign Brass has broadened its player profile base with the signing of Lithuanian cornet player Vakarė Gikytė, to take on the repiano role.

Hailing from Vilnus, Vakarė studied trumpet under Adomas Kontautas at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and as part of her studies she took the opportunity this year to spend a period on a traineeship at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

Link

That has proved so successful that Vakarė decided to apply for an Erasmus exchange programme position to study there for the year under the guidance of Ian Porthouse and Richard Marshall.

Vakarė was invited to a SPAL Sovereign rehearsal by MD Alan Gifford after spotting her talents conducting the RBC Brass Band, after which she was offered and accepted the position.

Enjoying

She told 4BR: "I've been playing cornet for 10 years and always wanted to visit the UK to experience the brass band scene in person. I'm thrilled to be playing for a local band whilst staying in Birmingham. I'm really enjoying my time with Sovereign and love the atmosphere at the RBC."

In response a band spokesperson added: "We are delighted to welcome Vakarė where she has already proved to be a great asset, helping us achieve top six finish at the recent Wychavon Festival of Brass contest."

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd