*
banner

Busy Baker

Composer Leigh Baker has a busy year ahead — right through to 2010.

Baker
 

Composer Leigh Baker has a busy year ahead, and his 2009 started on a high with the selection of 'Roman Triptych' for the 2010 Butlins Fourth Section set work.

So well received

Leigh told 4BR: "The piece was so well received at Harrogate in 2007 and I am delighted more bands will get chance to work on it. Reaction from conductors, bands, audience, judges and pundits was very positive and although it is a challenge, bands and audiences should really enjoy it."

Leigh has recently completed a Wind Band transcription of the opening 'Charioteers' movement. This has been commissioned by Barnsley Metropolitan Council's Music Service for their Schools Wind Band for a concert in March.

I am also working on two major works this year as well as my Brighouse writing and some exciting work with a number of high profile "non-brass" musicians is on the cardsLeigh Baker

Transcription

"The transcription will work as a massed brass/wind item as well as standing alone and I hope the full piece (further movements to follow!) will became popular in the wind band repetoire."

Meanwhile, the Butlins top section Entertainment Competition (on the Sunday) will see a number of new Baker works premiered by at least two bands and a few older (award winning) favourites will be on show too.

Two major works

"I am also working on two major works this year as well as my Brighouse writing and some exciting work with a number of high profile "non-brass" musicians is on the cards," he added.

All this alongside Leigh's playing commitments, conducting the South Yorkshire Police Band and the usual day job!

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    


appg

Brass bands regain Parliamentary voice

June 27 • The setting up of a new All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Banding gives brass bands a specific voice of support in Westminster.


Alan Duguid

Interview with Alan Duguid

June 26 • 4BR talks to conductor Alan Duguid about the inspirations behind his band's latest contemporary concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, David Bedford, Judith Bingham, Freddie Myers, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edmund Rubbra and Raymond Yiu.


Alan Jenkins

Alan Jenkins funeral details announced

June 25 • The funeral details for the highly respected musician and journalist Alan Jenkins have been announced.


Gray and Waespi

Gray and Waespi to lead joint masterclass approach in Bern

June 25 • A four-day conducting and composing masterclass led by Russell Gray and Oliver Waespi will take place in Bern later this year.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd