*
banner

Harper retires

The popular trumpet and cornet player Brian Harper has been forced to hang up his mouthpiece.

 

Brian Harper, the popular and very well liked trumpet and cornet player, has been forced to retire from playing due to recent major surgery.

He (Brian) occupied the Assistant Principal Cornet seat at Redbridge, Newham and Aveley bands. He also played cornet with Brighouse and Rastrick4BR

35 year career

In a career spanning 35 years, Brian a professional player has assisted several brass bands. He occupied the Assistant Principal Cornet seat at Redbridge, Newham and Aveley bands. He also played cornet with Brighouse and Rastrick.

As a trumpet player he worked with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and has appeared in all the major Concert Halls in London. He has played on numerous recordings and made several live broadcasts on the radio. Until recently, he was a regular commuter to Bulgaria, where he was playing with two major orchestras.

Reputation

Brian has also spent the past 15 years, conducting bands in the North West, both in contest and concert environments. He has also gained an excellent reputation as a brass teacher and contest adjudicator.

He now wishes to broaden out into band conducting.

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    


Darwen Brass

Darwen appeal success for National Championships

May 9 • The band's successful final appeal sees then head to Cheltenham later this year as North West Regional Champion.


euro

Report & Result: 2025 European Conductor Competition

May 8 • Jaap Musschenga of The Netherlands wins the first European title of the weekend in Stavanger.


Gevena

Geneva offers two free tickets for Euros in Stavanger

May 6 • If you are quick off the mark in Stavanger on Friday then you can get your hands on two tickets for all the main attractions for the weekend — but you must bring a mouthpiece.


Town Hall

New era for Spring Festival with Birmingham move

May 6 • The British Open Spring Festival will be held in Birmingham in 2026.


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


Dobcross Silver Band - Glossop Old Band

Sunday 11 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Olney Brass

May 8 • Ambitious and friendly L&SC 2nd section contesting band, based in Newport Pagnell (near to jnct 14, M1) currently seeking the following players: CORNETS (solo cornets desired, positions negotiable), Eb BASS, FLUGELHORN, PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM.


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • 1st horn position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd