*
banner

Britt ends tenure at Desford

Desford soprano star Martin Britt calls time after 12 memorable years.

Britt
 

Desford soprano star Martin Britt has announced his decision to leave the band after 12 highly enjoyable and memorable years.

Difficult decision

Martin told 4BR: "I've taken the difficult decision to leave Desford. I've been with the band for the best part of twelve years and seen the band grow from the shadow of the band of the late eighties, to All England Masters International Champions in 2008."

Memorable

Martin added that he had made many friends during his years with the band and had experienced a host of memorable performances. "The highlights for me have included the performance of 'In Memorium RK' at the Masters in 2007 and 'Rococo Variations' at this year's British Open as well as 'Les Preludes' at the Grand Shield in 2004."

I have a lot of life long friends in the band and I will miss all of them, if not the 140 miles each way to bandMartin Britt

Life long friends

He added: "I have a lot of life long friends in the band and I will miss all of them, if not the 140 miles each way to band. I would like to thank both Nigel Seaman and the band for their friendship and wish them well in the year ahead. This is a reluctant decision and I hope to be back with the band should circumstances change."

New projects

Martin hasn't decided to hang up his soprano just yet though.
"I've got quite an interesting project in development at the moment. It's a solo album of unacompanied soprano solos from which 100% of revenue will be going to Leukemia Research UK."

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd