*
banner

Neish makes great return to Selkirk

Les Neish recently made a welcome concert and workshop return to Selkirk Silver Band.

les Neish
  Les Neish made a welcome return to Selkirk

Besson tuba star Les Neish made a welcome return to the Scottish Borders recently as guest soloists with Selkirk Silver Band.

In addition to appearing at the autumn concert, Les also took the opportunity to work with MD Stuart Black in leading a workshop for youngsters.

Great mixture

It was a great mixture of the band's junior members and learner group and even saw three new players who had never picked up a brass band instrument before.

On Saturday evening Les wowed the audience with his playing — performing classics such as 'Jenny Jones' and 'Londonderry Air' as well as showcasing a new duet entitled 'Parting' with principal Eb bass player Chris Highton written by Scottish composer Gareth Bowman.

Led also played some unaccompanied pieces — including his own special version of 'Happy Birthday' before taking to the stage with not only the band, but all the youngsters from the morning workshop to perform Alan Fernie's 'African Funk'.

It's always a pleasure to have Les with us — a link that now stretched over 15 yearsStuart Black

Delighted

A delighted MD Stuart Black told 4BR: "It's always a pleasure to have Les with us — a link that now stretched over 15 years.

His enthusiasm and musical energy is second to none. My thanks to Besson for helping us bring him here to inspire all the musicians and we look forward to working with him again in the future."

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd