*
banner

Leyland announce Doyle principal

John Doyle moves from Black Dyke to take over end chair and baton at Leyland.

Doyle
 

Leyland has announced the appointment of John Doyle in the dual role of principal cornet and associate conductor.

January

After a decade of playing in two spells with Black Dyke, the Preston born player will join Leyland in early January.

John told 4BR that he is looking forward to further success with Leyland. In the role of associate conductor, he will work closely with Leyland's new professional MD helping drive performances through his wealth of experience, energy and personality.

Local band

John told 4BR: "I'm delighted and excited about the chance to come to Leyland as being a born and bred Prestonian, they have been my local band. This collaboration not only gives me the opportunity to develop my conducting skills, but I also get the chance to continue playing at the very top level."

This collaboration not only gives me the opportunity to develop my conducting skills, but I also get the chance to continue playing at the very top levelJohn Doyle

Confirmed piece

A Leyland spokesperson told 4BR: "Following the announcement of the departure of Jason Katsikaris, work has been going on to establish the band's future structure. John’s appointment is the first confirmed piece in what we believe will be an exciting and forward thinking combination to take Leyland to the next level."

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd