*
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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

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


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

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


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd