*
banner

Wych way for Besses future

Former sop star Alan Wycherley takes the baton at one of the most famous banding names in the world.

Wycherley
 

Besses O' Th' Barn Band, has announced that they have appointed Alan Wycherley as their new Musical Director.

Focus

The former soprano star told 4BR that he is focussed on bringing the glory back to one of the most famous names in the banding world. "I’m determined to be the driving power behind re-establishing Besses as a banding force once again," he said.

With the band’s bi-centenary in 2018, Alan hopes to rejuvenate the former multiple National and British Open winners, starting with an aggressive recruitment policy.

Top players

He added: "We will be looking at top players to fill our remaining vacancies, but only those with a commitment to do all rehearsals and engagements need apply."

Alan has already been encouraged by the response his arrival has created within the existing band which is currently contesting in the Second Section in the North West Area.

"I’m determined to be the driving power behind re-establishing Besses as a banding force once againAlan Wycherley

Plans

He also revealed that the band is formulating plans to undertake exciting projects in the years leading up to the bicentenary, including potential books and recordings from the famous world tours they undertook at the turn of the 20th century.

Band Chairman, Matt Bailey added: "We are delighted to secure someone of Alan's banding pedigree and calibre as our new MD. Together we are very excited about the future as we focus on raising Besses back to the top of banding once again."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd