*
banner

YBS sparkling diamonds

The YBS Band has been celebrating the success of three of their brightest diamond players.

YBS
 

The YBS Band were proudly celebrating success at the British Open Solos last weekend. All three entrants from the band came home with prizes against top draw competition.

Potential

Jamie Smith continued to show his potential with a fine third place finish in the Intermediate Slow Melody Contest, playing 'Abide with Me'. This was all the more commendable being still just 13 years old and one of the youngest players to compete.

We are very proud of the success achieved by Jamie, Helen and Iain. With Jason coming in it further underlines the quality right throughout the team at YBSBand Manager, Dave Long

Fabulous performance

Meanwhile, principal horn Helen Varley showed her quality by stealing away the individual tenor horn prize after a fabulous performance of 'Tyrollean Variations'.

Breathtaking

Finally, principal cornet Iain Culross gained third place overall and finished as the highest place soloist from Great Britain after his breathtaking rendition of 'Slavische Fantasie', a performance that one judge described as “telling a story through music.”

Further boost

YBS have had a further boost with the news that another top class player has joined their ranks in the shape of Jason Barlow, on the front row. Jason brings with him a wealth of experience and adds to already very strong cornet section.

Quality

Band Manager Dave Long told 4BR: "We are very proud of the success achieved by Jamie, Helen and Iain. With Jason coming in it further underlines the quality right throughout the team at YBS and it’s a big boost for us as we prepare for Brass In Concert."

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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


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


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd