*
banner

Leyland back on track

Leyland are back at the British Open — and delighted to have met a top priority for 2008.

Leyland
 

The Leyland Band has told 4BR that it is thrilled with its victory at the Grand Shield contest in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Saturday.

The band has finally re-qualified for the British Open and is delighted to be performing once again in Birmingham’s resplendent Symphony Hall.

Top of list

MD Jason Katsikaris told 4BR: "When I joined Leyland at the start of the year, I chatted at length with the players and administrative associates about our desired goals for the year ahead. Winning the Grand Shield was top of everyone’s list. We can now continue to grow as a band with a great sense of relief and satisfaction."

I was extremely pleased with the band’s preparation and our performance on stage reflected our hard work in the bandroom over the previous weeksMD, Jason Katsikaris

Massive boost

Jason continued: "I was extremely pleased with the band’s preparation and our performance on stage reflected our hard work in the bandroom over the previous weeks. Winning the contest and qualifying for the British Open in such a convincing manner will provide a massive boost for the band."

He added: "Participation in the Open is a real privilege and, during the last few years of absense, is something that Leyland Band will never take for granted. We would like to thank Martin and Karen Mortimer for their invitation. It truly is an honour."

Solo Award

The members of the band also took the opportunity to congratulate Eb bass soloist Chris Doran who took the Best Instrumentalist prize in the event.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "His loyalty and contribution to Leyland Band is immense, both as a player and in an organisational role, and the band is delighted for him."

Thanks

Leyland also took the opportunity to express its thanks to Willebroek’s star cornet player Raf van Loovern who travelled to England to play tutti cornet with the band at the contest.

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    


Presto CDs

New partnership link for 4BR and Presto Music

June 2 • If you are looking to add to your classical music collections or those linked to the brass world, then you can do it by a click or two...


Denis Wick

Denis Wick Memorial Concert

June 2 • The life of the iconic musician, teacher, mouthpiece designer and businessman Denis Wick will be celebrated at a special concert this week in London.


Brass Cruise

A Brass Band Cruise with a difference

June 2 • You can enjoy a relaxing trip to three port cities accompanied by the sound of brass next year — or you can join in yourself.


Italian Brass Band

STEAM power boosts Italian outreach

June 2 • The Italian Brass Band continues to strengthen its Roman profile with its latest school link.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

June 1 • A highly motivated and talented musician with strong organisational skills is required to lead the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band as the Voluntary Band Instructor. This is a full time paid position (37 hrs pw)


Croy Silver Band

June 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but we always welcome enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd