*
banner

Man in black converts to brass bands

Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey appears to have made the right decision to become a fan of brass band music...

Mark Halsey
 

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey is the latest high profile convert to brass bands after he attended a recent concert given by Smithills Schools Senior Brass Band.

Man in black

The man in black, who retired as a ref in 2013 and now works on BT Sports football coverage, attended the Smithills Christmas Concert after first hearing the band in action at Bolton Wanderer's Reebok Stadium.

He and his wife Michelle were so impressed that they asked if they could attend a future Smithills event, and sat alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, they described their latest concert experience as ‘inspirational’.

He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund4BR

Invite

Mark has now invited the band to London in 2014 to perform at major football charity events in which he is involved.

The respected ref’s autobiography was published in September. He signed copies of his book at the Smithills concert, money from which is going to the Senior Brass Band’s America 2014 tour fund.

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    


The Wallace Collection

Invisible plaudits for Wallace cooperation

November 20 • Brass in Concert Champion has also been gaining plaudits for its 'invisible' musical partnership with the Wallace Collection.


Peter Fraser

Peter Fraser MBE funeral details confirmed

November 20 • The funeral of the respected Scottish banding figure will take place later this month.


Michael Dodd

Dodd takes lead at Wakefield

November 20 • Michael Dodd takes the baton at Wakefield Metropolitan to carry on musical legacy of his great friend Duncan Beckley.


National Youth Championships

Full house line-up for National Youth Championships

November 20 • It will be a full capacity National Youth Championships event in Birmingham next year as all spots are snapped up in record time.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Euphonium to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Principal Cornet to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Chinnor Silver

November 17 • We are looking to push on having secured promotion to the 1st Section in January and require Tuba and Percussion players to help us.. Rehearsals are on a Wed evening in our own bandroom.. Realistic approach to modern banding at this exciting time.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd