*
banner

St Helen's Youth to be led by home grown talent

A local lad made good returns to lead St Helen's Youth Band as James Hall takes up MD role.

James Hall
  James Hall returns to St Helen's Youth Band — but now as MD

The St Helen's Youth Band has announced the appointment of its new Musical Director, James Hall.

Local talent

James is a home grown talent — growing up locally before taking up the trombone and joining the band under the leadership of founder Lynda Nicholson. Later, he was awarded a scholarship to study for an undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire, and more recently studied for his Masters at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

he was awarded a scholarship to study for an undergraduate degree at Birmingham Conservatoire, and more recently studied for his Masters at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester4BR

Award recipient

He was the featured soloist with the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band when giving the world premiere of a concerto written especially for him by Clara Catt and was a recipient of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble prize in 2015 as part of the quintet 'Lowry Brass'.

He now works in schools for both Lancashire and St. Helen's Music Services as a peripatetic brass teacher and workshop leader.

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    


pRINCIPALS

Principals in place for National Youth Band

August 4 • The principal players have been placed in their leadership roles on the current National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fulham Brass

Fulham look towards York

August 4 • Fulham Band has been working with David Barringer and a host of tutors to prepare them for their York National Final appearance.


Jake Bartlett

Bartlett claims Mortimer Solo Award

August 4 • Tuba player Jake Bartlett has won the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo Competition on this year's National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fowles

Wessex success on emerald anniversary

August 4 • The 55th anniversary Wessex Band Summer School has been hailed as a fantastic week of music making.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Crewe Brass

August 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd