*
banner

Death of Susan Elsworth

The death has been announced of Susan Elsworth, aged 63.

Gawthorpe
 

After a short illness, Susan Elsworth passed away on Wednesday the 13th of February at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, aged 6.

Founder

Susan founded Gawthorpe Brass 85 and has provided inspiration for thousands of musicians over the last 23 years.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands.

These groups perform throughout Britain and further afield and through Sue’s energy and vision have given young musicians fantastic musical experiences and very high standards of performance whilst nurturing a life long-passion for music making.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands4BR

Leading light

A typical Gawthorpe week sees hundreds of musicians of all ages and experiences meeting together and this has been due to the “leading light” of the organisation-Susan Elsworth.

Susan also taught piano and music theory to countless students, inspiring and enthusing all who came into contact with her.

Arrangements

She leaves husband John, children Matthew, Rachel and Sarah and grandchildren Bethan, Lily and Joshua.

The funeral will be held on Monday the 25th February at 10am at Holy Trinity Church, Ossett and Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.30 am.

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    


Tredegar

Buckley celebrations at heart of Tredegar concert

March 25 • The musical lives of Brian Buckley and his son Richard will be marked at a special concert this weekend in Swansea.


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd