*
banner

Agnew keeps Melton in test match spotlight

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew has been making sure the cricketing world knows and hears all about the Melton Band

Melton Band
  Jonathan Agnew is the BBC's cricket correspondent

It hasn't just been the England cricket team making the sporting headlines this week in Pakistan where they won the First Test Match in record breaking fashion.

So too has the BBC cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew — with his euphonium playing.

Second euphonium

'Aggers' as he is affectionately known to cricket listeners around the globe, used to play tuba in his younger days.

Having attended a Christmas concert last year by his local Melton Band, he admitted the sound of brass had given him the desire to play again and he subsequently took on the role of second euphonium with the East Midlanders and throughout the summer kept listeners and his colleagues informed and amused by his musical progress.

Melodies in Multan

Despite broadcasting each day for the tour and its matches, Agnew decided to use his spare time keeping up his regular practice regime of Christmas melodies for his return home in time for carolling duties with the band in Melton Mowbray.

With the instrument carefully wrapped for its journey he finally got in some practice alongside England's travelling 'Barmy Army' supporters for their traditional daily rendition of Hubert Parry's 'Jerusalem'.

This is normally accompanied by trumpeter Simon Finch, who has an association with Amersham Band, but with him not there Agnew joined the group instead.

It was great fun playing Jerusalem for the Barmy Army. I haven't been so nervous for a long time — and obviously we inspired England to a great victory in MultanJonathan Agnew

Compliments

He later admitted on air that he'd received lots of complimentary messages from his colleagues in the band, and made sure that Melton Band was given a worldwide plug, plus a call out for anyone to join them.

He said: "It was great fun playing Jerusalem for the Barmy Army. I haven't been so nervous for a long time — and obviously we inspired England to a great victory in Multan."

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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 12 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team.. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, performing a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd