*
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    


York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Norwegain

11 bands face potential Norwegian national relegation

February 27 • Bands that failed to pay their annual NMF membership fee on time could find themselves relegated to the bottom tier of their National Championship.


French National Championships

French bands prepare for National challenges

February 27 • The 2026 French National Championships take place in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy this weekend.


ISM

ISM to host Make Music Work conference day

February 27 • If you want to find out how to make a sustainable career in the music industry then get along to the ISM 'Make Music Work' conference day in London in April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd