*
banner

10 year link for Neish

Tuba star enjoys his latest get together with a musical friend of a decade.

Neish
 

Tuba star Les Neish and Enfield Citadel Band conductor Jonathan Corry recently spent a very productive day of sectional rehearsals with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.

Tutelage

Les and Jonathan led individual sectional rehearsals and full brass sectionals where the orchestra members, who range from 17 to 22, gained tutelage and direction in orchestral works such as 'Le Corsaire' and 'Concerto for Orchestra' by Bela Bartok.

It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship beganLes Neish

Decade

Les and Jonathan first met in December 1998 on the Winter course of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (where both served as principals) and have remained close friends and associates since.

This has included Les and Jonathan both studying tuba and trumpet respectively at the RNCM and in their post-graduate year both studied with James Gourlay.

Collaborations

Their collaborations since have included several SA Music schools, masterclasses, concerts, BBC national/local brass quintet recordings and the highly acclaimed recording 'Badinage' featuring Leslie as soloist with Fuoco Brass.

Away from music Jonathan introduced Leslie to his future wife and at present is perfecting his Best Man speech for the big day in 2010!!

Jetting away

Les is soon off to Holland for a solo engagement and the Cayman Islands with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and is looking forward to a forthcoming recording project with his friend and mentor James Gourlay.

Extra special

Jonathan is currently Brass Co-ordinator for the London Borough of Brent and is busy preparing for the New Year with Enfield Citadel Band where an exciting recording project and tour of Norway are planned.

Les told 4BR: "It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship began."

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    


Sage

2025 Brass in Concert Championship draws confirmed

May 13 • The draws for the Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships were made in Stavanger.


EBBA

New additions to EBBA Music Commission

May 13 • Ben Haemhouts and Katrina Marzella-Wheeler take new roles with EBBA's Music Commission.


swiss

Swiss winners enjoy Geneva trip to Stavanger

May 13 • A trio of fast paced Valaisia Brass Band supporters made sure they bagged a brace of combi-tickets for the main event at the European Championships.


Rob Hanson

King's Award for Enterprise for John Packer Ltd

May 13 • The UK-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, has been presented with the King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category for the second time.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Newstead Brass

May 12 • Newstead Brass is looking to recruit a PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our ambitious and hardworking Championship Section band.. . With an exciting schedule ahead, this is a rare chance to join our ranks as we look to achieve further success as a team.


Lofthouse2000 Brass Band

May 12 • Lofthouse are currently recruiting for Kit, Bass (Bb & Eb), Baritone, Bass Trombone and Cornets. We are a 3rd section contesting band with regular concerts and events throughout the year and would love to fill our happy team with keen players.


Petworth Town Band

May 12 • Petworth Town. Band have vacancies for CORNETS and TUBA. We are an enthusiastic non contesting band with a thriving list of concerts and engagements throughout the year and are led by our passionate and inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd