*
banner

Pitts pendulum stops for Derwent

The Bolsover Festival of Brass marked the final swing of the contesting pendulum for Derwent's stalwart horn player Karen Pitts.

Derwent
 

The performance of Derwent Brass at the recent Bolsover Festival of Brass closed the final chapter on the banding career of tenor horn player Karen Pitts.

Final swing

Karen has played with the band for 13 years since a move from the Long Eaton Silver, and after performing on all three horn seats with distinction in concerts and contests and recording the solo ‘Suil a Ruin’ on the bands latest CD, she has decided to call it a day after the final swing of the contesting pendulum at Bolsover.

Karen has played with the band for 13 years since a move from the Long Eaton Silver, and after performing on all three horn seats with distinction in concerts and contests4BR

Highlighte

One of the great highlights of her time with the band was playing alongside euphonium star Steven Mead, whilst she also has fond memories of her appearances with the band at the National Finals as well as her stint on the band committee!

Increasing portfolio

With an increasing portfolio of other commitments, Karen has decided to stop playing, but her commitment to Derwent was appreciated by the presentation of Derwent Crystal, together with a host of messages of love and thanks for her dedication as a player and friend.

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd