*
banner

Shirley ranks boosted by brace of new signings

Poppy Taylor and Alun David join the ranks of Shirley Band in the Midlands.

Shirley Band
  There has been a warm welcome to the new players

Top section Shirley Band from Solihull in the West Midlands has welcomed a brace of new players to its ranks.

Joining on solo cornet is first year Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student Poppy Taylor, whilst Alun David rejoins the band on solo trombone.

Youth and experience

Poppy was previously a member of Poulton-Le-Fylde and has also played with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Halle Youth Orchestra, and the English Schools Orchestra. She is also a former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Meanwhile, Alun first played with the band in 1975 and has since enjoyed playing with the Telford Orchestra in Shropshire, and with Ska and reggae band, The Superskas. He has previously played trombone, baritone and euphonium with Shirley Band.

It's fantastic to have Poppy and Alun on boardShirley Band

Thrilled

Speaking about signing, Poppy said: "I'm thrilled to be joining and I'm excited to see what the future holds."Alan added: "It's great to be rejoining Shirley Band after being in touch over so many years."

Band Manager Sally Middleton told 4BR: "It's fantastic to have Poppy and Alun on board. Poppy has already impressed us all with her sound and poise, especially having recently deputised for the band on principal cornet.

It's also fantastic to have Alun back — even though he has always been a great friend and supporter of the band."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd