*
banner

New MD at Houghton

Howard Smith is the new MD at Houghton Brass.

 

Howard Smith has been appointed as the new MD at Houghton Brass in County Durham.

Howard moved from the Midlands area 13 years ago and joined the trombone section of GT Group Band in Peterlee.

Great opportunity

In the Midlands he played with Newhall, Desford Colliery and William Davis Construction Group bands, and was MD. for various bands and choirs there.

Howard told 4BR: "I see this as a great oppurtunity, and hope to emulate the suuccess of my predecessor, Tom Gibson who has held the position for 25 years."

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    


Melvin White

White honoured by Palace appearance

May 12 • Conductor Melvin White was honoured by an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the banding movement.


Northern Trust

Smiles and positivity on inspirational Open Learning day

May 12 • The recent Northern Regional Brass Band Trust Open Learning Day proved to be a great success.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Calling (Naomi Rebecca Hill)

May 12 • The award winning composition is an ideal addition to any concert or entertainment contest programme.


RBC

RBC Open Day invite to students

May 12 • If you are considering studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, then an Open Day next month will give you all the details and inspiration you need.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd