*
banner

Fairey's Festive Farewells

Fairey to say festive farewell to two outstanding young players.

Fairey
 

A busy, but successful few months will be brought to a close for the Fairey Band when they perform their annual concert at Stockport Town Hall later this month.

Outstanding

This year’s event sees Fairey saying farewell to two of its outstanding young players, solo horn, Chris Pannell and soprano Mark Harrison. Both have contributed much to the band’s renaissance over the past few years.

Chris Pannell joined Fairey from the Hepworth Band in April 2004 and has since gone on to become one of the band’s most consistent performers, winning the band’s Player of the Year award in 2005.

Faireys would like to wholeheartedly thank both Chris and Mark for their contribution to the band and wish them well in the futureFairey Band

Tinge of regret

Chris, with a tinge of regret, is taking a break from banding to pursue other interests. He is also getting married next year for which the band offers its best wishes.

Leading player

Mark Harrison only joined Fairey in October 2007, but in that time has quickly established himself as one of the leading soprano players of his generation.

However, as a first year trumpet student at the RNCM in Manchester, Mark has decided that he would like to fully concentrate on that aspect of his career. We are sure it won’t be the last time he puts a soprano to his lips however.

Thanks

Fairey's spokesperson told 4BR: "Faireys would like to wholeheartedly thank both Chris and Mark for their contribution to the band and wish them well in the future. The band is now actively in the process of searching for their successors."

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd