*
banner

German detour for Benson

Fresh from leading Kirkintilloch Band to success in Scotland, MD, Hedley Benson will head to Germany this weekend to make a conducting debut with Brass Band Sachsen.

Kirkintilloch
  The band won the First Section Scottish title last weekend in Perth

After leading Kirkintilloch Band to title success in the First Section of the Scottish Championships in Perth on the weekend, Musical Director Hedley Benson will head to Germany to make his conducting debut with Brass Band Sachsen.

Victory

Victory at the Scottish Championships marked another conducting stepping stone for the principal trumpet player of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra since taking up the baton last year.

In that time he has led Kirkintilloch to victories at the West of Scotland and Scottish Challenge Shield, with their latest win also ensuring that they return to the Championship Section in 2025.

Looking forward

Speaking about the trip he said: "I'm really looking forward to working with this very fine band and presenting a concert programme of varied music from Eric Ball's masterpiece 'Resurgam' to more modern works by the likes of Tom Davoren and Alan Fernie."

He added: "It's been a great 12 months with Kirkintilloch — and the hard work from everyone has paid off. The players really are a terrific bunch and I couldn't believe it when the band told me they nearly folded after Covid.

Now we're looking forward to a busy year ahead and making a real mark at the British Open Spring Festival in Blackpool and the National Final in Cheltenham in September."

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    


Besson Horizons

New Horizons Exchange links UK and Swiss youth again

June 6 • The Besson Horizon programme will once again see youngsters from the National Youth Bands of Great Britain and Switzerland enjoy reciprocal musical trips.


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


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


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd