*
banner

Top end changes at Skelmersdale

A new soprano, principal cornet and bumper-up are put in place at former Third Section National Champions.

Skelmerdale
  The new signings have been welcomed by MD Ben Coulson

There have been some important personnel changes at Skelmersdale Prize Band.

Although the band missed out on the prize-winning frame at the recent Brighouse March & Hymn Tune contest, the event marked a fitting swan song for their highly respected soprano player Kenny Pain.

Sop departure

Kenny joined just before their Third Section National Final victory in 2022 and has been an integral part of their growing success since, notably featuring as their soloist at the Bolsover contest.

Speaking about his departure, MD Ben Coulson said: "Kenny has been such an asset. His attitude has been incredibly influential and his joyful banter infectious. He'll be sorely missed."

His place will be filled by long-standing principal cornet player James Ball, with the MD adding: "I've always thought that James had the potential to be an outstanding soprano player.

Like Kenny he has all the attributes needed to make a sublime performer, and I really look forward to working with him in this role."

Lizzy is a fine player and brings with her a wealth of knowledge after a long tenure on principal cornet primarily with Longridge. She has so much to offerMD, Ben Coulson

New principal and co-principal

That move has in turn created an exciting opportunity for new principal cornet appointment Elizabeth Hemingway.

In welcoming her, Ben Coulson said: "Lizzy is a fine player and brings with her a wealth of knowledge after a long tenure on principal cornet primarily with Longridge. She has so much to offer."

The final move sees Adam Galloway come in as co-principal cornet, with Ben adding: "Adam has been with us for some time now and is an extremely accomplished player."

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    


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


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


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


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


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd