*
banner

Pick of the bunch

The Orchard of England Brass Quintet recently delighted local audiences — not surprising given their line up of players...

Orchard Brass
 

The Orchard of England Brass Quintet recently delighted audiences in Somerset when they were guests of the Frome Chorale Societies annual Christmas concert.

The concert took place at the Wesley Methodist Church in Frome to a packed and appreciative audience.

Pick of the talent

The inaugural performance by the quintet brought together in it’s ranks five musicians who reside in the north, south, east and west of the country, on trumpets Joanne Sykes from Bruton, Somerset and Brian Heyes, Preston who plays with The Leyland Band, on horn Dave Aston from Reading who plays with Polysteel, on trombone Nick Hudson from Minehead and on tuba Steve Sykes.

Four centuries

The Quintet featured music spanning four centuries and Steve & Nick delighted the audience with solo selections. The quintet along with Ian Ball, Organist from Bristol university accompanied the choral society and audience in carols and festive music most of which was arranged by Steve Sykes.

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    


Registry

Job vacancy at Brass Band Players Registry

July 29 • There is a part time role to be filled at the Brass Band Players Registry.


Raunds

Raunds appoints Matthew Brown

July 29 • The experienced Matt Brown has become the new Resident Conductor at Raunds Temperance Band.


Black Dyke Band

Mallinson flugel role ends at Queensbury

July 29 • Phoebe Mallinson looks forward to future opportunities as her time at Black Dyke Band comes to an end.


WELSH oPEN

2027 Welsh Open entries

July 29 • There are only a limited number of places available for the popular Welsh Open Contest in Newport next year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


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


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to complete our horn section. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

July 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (3rd) at 11am in our bandroom.. If your band is taking a summer break and you fancy keeping your lip in with a friendly,relaxed rehearsal come and join us.All abilities welcome and its all free with tea & cake.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd