*
banner

4BR Podcast Interview Episode 2: Johnny Thirkell

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to a musician who has gone from playing soprano with Easington Colliery to sharing the stage with Jamiroquai and David Bowie — and is now offering a new venture in fab surroundings for players to learn how...

Podcast
  4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Johnny Thirkell

Welcome to another 4BR Podcast Interview — our series talking to leading musicians and personalities with a link to the brass band world.

Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJIcyU9aWdc

Episode 2 sees us joined by trumpet and flugel player Johnny Thirkell who has performed on hundreds of pop, rock and jazz recordings and live performances with the world's great stars.

These include working with the likes of Jay Kay and Jamiroquai and David Bowie to George Michael and Tina Turner, and so many more. He has also played with the Buddy Rich Band and Gil Evans Orchestra, played alongside the great Derek Watkins and a host of world class session musicians and stars.

The latest is a Cornet Camp which will be led by Tom Hutchinson of Cory Band from the 15th to 21st June.

Elite Music Camps

Over the last few years though he has been developing different aspects of his musical outlook — the latest a series of bespoke 'Elite Music Camps' based at his Spanish Villa about 20 miles from the city of Granada in the Sierra Nevada mountains alongside some of the industry leading musicians he has worked with for many years.

The latest is a Cornet Camp which will be led by Tom Hutchinson of Cory Band from the 15th to 21st June.

Find out more


To find out more: https://www.elitemusiccamps.com/

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    


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Climb every mountain

Wright & Round: Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Rodgers & Hammerstein arr. Philip Harper)

August 25 • You simply can't beat a belting classic from Julie Andrews...


bRASS IN cOCNERT

Brass in Concert Championship sold out

August 25 • There is not a seat left to be filled in the hall for the 49th Brass in Concert Championship this year.


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd