*
banner

Garforth revived after 4BR spotlight

A never say die attitude and great long terms plans attract new players to Garforth Brass.

Garforth
 

After their story was highlighted on 4BR which showed the ‘never say die’ attitude of Garforth Brass, the Yorkshire band has reported that their well publicised desire to work towards a long term sustainable future has proved a clarion call to enthusiastic, committed players.

Welcome signings

Now the band has reported that they have welcomed a number of new faces to the band — led by the vastly experienced Alun Perry on principal cornet.

He has been joined by seasoned trumpet jazz musician Tom Lilley as ‘bumper-up’ who is now loving his new found involvement in the brass band environment.

The back row cornets are boosted by Lisa Thorpe, whilst the solo horn and first horn seats has been filled by Emma Binns and Sam Watson.

Troms and lower brass

Liz Edwards joins from Haworth Brass on solo euphonium and is joined by Adrian Longbottom.

The trombone section see the welcome signing of principal Nick Crawley, first trombone Sam Hughes and bass trombone Richard Jones.

The bass section is added to by solo EEb tuba Steve Hayward, whilst the percussion section welcomes brothers Jake and Jack Manktelow.

From the abyss

MD, Mark Wildie told 4BR: "From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracle — and it has all come about after our plight, our determination and our well thought out future plans were publicised on 4BR."

From on the edge of an abyss to having near enough a full ensemble is nothing short of a miracleMD, Mark Wildie

Fantastic job

He added: "Band Manager Christine Keith has done a fantastic job sometimes working through the night to bring in the players, and it is brilliant that we have the right players who come to us because they love to play brass band music in a wonderful, hard working brass band atmosphere."

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd