*
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    


BBE Awards

Short lists announced for BBE Awards

June 18 • The short list nominations for 2025 Brass Band England Awards have been released — with you able to vote on the 'Project of the Year'.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright acquisition adds to music portfolio

June 18 • Music by Dr Keith Wilkinson will become more readily available as four new publishing catalogues are absorbed by BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Youth

King's Birthday Honour for Dobcross stalwart

June 18 • Susan Crook, the Chairperson and founding member of Dobcross Youth Band has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours List.


Uppermill

Uppermill reach new Whit Friday heights

June 18 • Uppermill Band certainly enjoyed their Whit Friday contesting day, with prizes to back up the fun...


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 21 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


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


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

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


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

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


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Epping Forest Band

June 16 • 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.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd