*
banner

MD changes at BTM

With Jason Katsikaris back in Oz for a break, Graham O'Connor takes over the helm at BTM.

BTM
 

After a highly successful 2007, the Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Band's MD Jason Katsikaris has taken a well-earned break back in sunny Sydney.

Yorkshire appointment

And while Jason kicks back, catches rays and blows the dust of the barbie, the band has moved to engage Yorkshireman Graham O'Connor who will take BTM to the Welsh Area as well as the Yeovil and Porthcawl entertainment competitions.

2007 was a tremendous year for BTM under Jason's guiding hand. Starting with a win at the Porthcawl Miners Eisteddfod they showed well at the Areas, Grand Shield and Masters competitions and went on to claim a creditable 7th place at the National Finals in London.

Rounded off nicely

They rounded off the year nicely being crowned Welsh League Champions after winning the Ebbw Vale, Burry Port and Treorchy competitions.

A sponsorship deal with UK workplace service provider the PHS Group plc enabled the band to buy new walking out uniforms which were paraded for the first time at the Royal Albert Hall.

Jason conducted the band for the last time at the annual concert in Caerphilly before heading home. However, it's only a temporary migration to New South Wales and Jason will be flying back to the UK in the Spring.

He's (Jason) a bundle of energy working tirelessly for the band and that's been shown in the success we've had. We're a far more consistant band now and are looking to progress even more from hereBand Manager, Jeff Hutcherson

Area challenge

In the meantime Graham will be leading BTM's challenge at the Welsh area in Swansea in March and said he was looking forward it.

"I've been hearing good things about BTM for a while and this year especially they've shown they are a force to a reckoned with," he told 4BR. "I'm looking forward to the New Year and getting them back to the Albert Hall."

Well earned rest

Band Manager Jeff Hutcherson told 4BR: "We're all very grateful to Jason for the work he's put in over the last 18 months. I'd like to publically thank him. He's a bundle of energy working tirelessly for the band and that's been shown in the success we've had. We're a far more consistant band now and are looking to progress even more from here."

He concluded: "Jason deserves a well-earned rest but we also wish him a speedy return. In the meantime I'm delighted that Graham's agreed to take charge. He's been very positive and I'm sure will keep the band going forward."

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    


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • There has been plenty of entertainment to enjoy in Chorley today


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd