*
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    


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


First Old Boys

Youth fly musical flag for Old Boys

February 28 • A trio of talented young players from 1st Old Boys Band will be making their mark with different representative ensembles later this year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd