*
banner

Watkins becomes latest Geneva resident

Brighouse & Rastrick principal trombonist becomes the latest high profile addition to take up Geneva residency.

Ryan Watkins
 

Brighouse & Rastrick principal trombonist Ryan Watkins is the latest high profile player to join the ranks of Geneva Instruments performing artists.

Successful

Currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tuition of Rob Holiday and Simon Cowen, Ryan has been a member of the Yorkshire champions for two years, having previously played with Shepherds Group, Yorkshire Imperial DUT, Carlton Main Frickley, Hepworth and Fairey.

In addition to his busy schedule with Brighouse, Ryan also performs with Austonley Brass, a new ten piece brass ensemble featuring some of the best brass players in the North West, and the highly successful oompah band Jäger maestros.

Award winner

In 2012, Ryan was presented with the British Trombone Society ‘Young Trombonist of the Year’ award and earlier this year progressed to the brass final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

Love the sound

Speaking about his new partnership with Geneva Instruments Ryan told 4BR: "Despite only having got my hands on the Geneva models a few weeks, I've instantly come to love the sound that's produced, in particular the new Symphony model."

He added: "The trombone feels really easy to play at all ranges, and is particularly exceptional in producing the large, symphonic sound that trombone players desire and aspire to.

I would strongly recommend and encourage trombone players to try the Geneva Symphony trombone models for themselves."

I would strongly recommend and encourage trombone players to try the Geneva Symphony trombone models for themselvesRyan Watkins

Contact:

To try the new Geneva Symphony trombone range contact the Geneva Instruments head office on 01642 714464 or email info@genevainstruments.com

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

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


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist