*
banner

Baker returns to Queensbury

Brett Baker returns to start a second stint as solo trombone with Black Dyke.

Brett Baker
  Trombone star Brett Baker will return to Black Dyke to add to his 14 years of service.

Trombone star Brett Baker will once again wear the famous scarlet, black and gold colours of Black Dyke after it was announced that he will be returning to the band with immediate effect.

Second stint

It will be his second stint at Queensbury following an 18 month career break as he settled into his role as Programme Leader of Musical Arts at the University of Salford.

He first joined Black Dyke in the year 2000, notching up over 14 years of service and becoming an integral part of their success in winning European, National Championship, British Open, English National and Yorkshire Area titles under Prof Nicholas Childs.

Welcome return

He made a welcome return to play at this year's British Open and National Championships, a decision that he said showed him that he could once again give the band the commitment the role required.

"I was unsure whether I would be able to give the time needed to return, but Black Dyke is in my blood, and now that I'm settled in my professional career at the University of Salford it has become feasible once more."

He added: "I've done a number of concerts and the two major contests since August and it's brought back that unique thrill. I didn't quite realise how much I missed it. I'm absolutely delighted to be back with friends and back with the most famous band in the world."

Brett also confirmed that he will continue his association with Royal Buckley Silver Band in North Wales

I'm delighted that Brett has returned to Black Dyke. He is a remarkable player who has been such an important part of the band since I came hereProf Nicholas Childs

Remarkable player

Black Dyke Director of Music Professor Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "I'm delighted that Brett has returned to Black Dyke. He is a remarkable player who has been such an important part of the band since I came here.

I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking Chris Binns for his excellent contribution and wish him well in the next stage of his orchestral career."

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd