*
banner

All the King's Men...

Players from Friary Brass have played their part in the King's Birthday Parade and Armed Forces Week.

Friary
  Jack and Morgan (right) took part in the official celebrations

Amongst the 400 or so musicians that took part in the recent King's Birthday Parade were Friary Brass players Jack Beer and Morgan Marston.

Speaking about the occasion, Jack, who plays cornet with Friary is a musician in The Band of the Coldstream Guards, commented: "It's always a great because of the spectacle of it. It takes a good couple of months of rehearsing, and the actual parade is hard work, but it's all worth it in the end!"

Brilliant

Despite the hot weather, Friary tenor horn Morgan (far right) who plays French horn in The Band of the Grenadier Guards, relished the occasion. "I really enjoyed taking part in my third Trooping of the Colour.

It was brilliant to play in front of the King and an appreciative crowd!"

King's Cross

Earlier in the week, Jack had also been part of the Regiment's 375th anniversary march of The Coldstream Guards through Berwick.

100 soldiers from Number 3 Company, 'The Spotty Dogs', of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, accompanied by the Band of the Coldstream Guards, marched across the station concourse at King's Cross in London shortly after 6.00am to the surprise and delight of early morning commuters.

Jack added: "This was a new one for me and a great experience to be part of — setting off at 4.00am in full uniform and not taking it off till 9.00pm. It meant so meant to the Regiment."

It's always a great because of the spectacle of it. It takes a good couple of months of rehearsing, and the actual parade is hard work, but it's all worth it in the end!Jack Beer

Armed Forces Week

In addition to the contribution to the armed forces Friary cornet player Simon Persin once again played his part in Guildford's flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week.

As part of the service, Simon played a fanfare on the Guildhall balcony before the flag was raised.

He stated: "It's always an honour to be part of this notable occasion, all the more so with some fellow Friary players in HM Forces and at this time of various tensions in the world."

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    


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Elgar

January Area workshops on offer through Elgar International Brass Band Summer School

October 14 • Flowers MD Paul Holland and a leading team of tutors offer Area test-piece workshops ahead of 2027 tests.


John Packer

Death of John Packer

October 14 • The death has been announced of business founder and music industry leader John Packer.


Cory

Wobplay boost from National coverage

October 12 • The recording quality of the performances from York and London also proved to be a winner for World of Brass as well as Cory, Marsden Silver, Harborough, Allerton brass and Wardle Community...


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


James Garlick

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd