*
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    


National Youth Band

Norwegian Youth Brass Band set for national debut

July 20 • A new national youth brass band in Norway aims to provide a platform for excellence, inspiration and community as it prepares for its inaugural country-wide tour under the baton of Allan Withington.


Kapitol

Brassed Off trophy returns to National home

July 18 • The film prop National Trophy used in 'Brassed Off!' has been presented to Kapitol Promotions for safekeeping and display.


Lewis Bettles

Grimethorpe adds to player strength with new solo trombone signing

July 18 • Lewis Bettles has been appointed solo trombone.


Friary

New signings at Friary

July 18 • Max Johnson and Ed Neeve join Friary Brass on euphonium and cornet.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Chinnor Silver

July 14 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on MONDAY 20th at 11 am in our bandroom.. We would welcome players of all ages and abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Of course there is tea and cake !!!. And you can even choose a piece to play


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd