*
banner

No doubting Thomas at Staffs

Huw Thomas is set to become the new MD at Staffordshire.

Thomas
 

The Staffordshire Band have announced the appointment of Huw Thomas as Musical Director with immediate effect.

No surprise

Huw has been working with the band for the past month, culminating in their recent 4th place at the Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championships at Pontins, so it comes as no surprise that the arrangement has become permanent.

Thrilled

With an extensive background in brass banding, Huw recently made his orchestral conducting debut with the Sinfonia Tamesa in London. As an MA music student at Durham University, he enjoys studying with Ray Farr and until recently was the MD of Pennine Brass.

Huw told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to be working with the Staffordshire Band, as they are an extremely committed and professional outfit with a strong desire to succeed."

I'm thrilled to be working with the Staffordshire Band, as they are an extremely committed and professional outfit with a strong desire to succeedHuw Thomas

Ambitious

Commenting about the appointment, Chairman Shaun Elliott told 4BR: "Once again we have been fortunate to gain the services of a young, ambitious and very highly regarded conductor in Huw Thomas, who brings, along with his natural enthusiasm, an enormous amount of experience in brass bands at the highest level.

Enjoyed

"We really enjoyed working with Huw in the preparation for the Pontins Contest and it culminated in a very, very fine performance which we were delighted about, allbeit tinged with a bit of disappointment that we didn't get higher!"

Shaun concluded: "I am sure that Huw will make a huge difference to the Band, as we believe that the trials and tribulations of this year are now behind us and look forward to getting back and past our previous levels."

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    


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


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.


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


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd