*
banner

Pritchard-Jones released by West Mercia Police

After seven years in charge, Steve Pritchard-Jones has ended his tenure with the baton at West Mercia Police Band.

SPJ
 

Steve Pritchard-Jones has ended a seven year tenure as conductor of The Band of West Mercia Police.

Rebuilding

Several members have left the band recently due to ill health, retirement or leaving the area and Steve feels it’s time to move on to allow a new conductor to lead the rebuilding process.

Thanks

Steve told 4BR: "I would like to thank the Chief Constable Paul West, Eddie Barry (Chairman), David Francis (Secretary) and Richard Waterhouse (Band Sergeant) for their 100% support."

He added: "My decision to resign was not an easy decision to make however I feel it’s the right move forward and I wish the band well for the future."

My decision to resign was not an easy decision to make however I feel it’s the right move forward and I wish the band well for the futureSteve Pritchard-Jones

Great work

Band Secretary David Francis has also decided to stand down and Steve also took the opportunity of thanking him for the immense amount of work he has done for the band.

Steve added: "David’s commitment to the band is second to none; the band will not be the same without his excellent organisation skills and his real passion for the banding movement."

Options

The busy adjudicator and conductor is keeping his options open and for the near future will continue with freelance conducting as well his adjudicating work before considering taking on a permanent band.

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    


Manager Musikklag

World Rankings — April update

April 26 • There has been significant movement in the latest rankings release, driven by a large number of contests over the last few months resulting in notable shifts and changes in the standings


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


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


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd