*
banner

Wingates enjoy Open return but lose solo euph

Wingates joy at returning to the British Open has also been tempered by the loss of their outstanding solo euphonium player Chris Robertson.

Wingates
  Chris Robertson and MD Paul Andrews enjoy a celebratory drink after their Grand Shield qualification success.

Fresh from their success in returning to the British Open for the first time since 1999, Wingates Band has bid a fond farewell to their solo euphonium player Chris Robertson.

Chris (with MD Paul Andrews above) joined the band three and half years ago and has been an integral part of their success under the baton of MD Paul Andrews — culminating in gaining the long awaited qualification back to Symphony Hall at the Grand Shield in Blackpool last weekend.

Wonderful performer

Paul told 4BR: "Chris has been a wonderful performer for us, and it was apt that he played so well once gain as we returned to the British Open. He feels it's the right time to move on and we all wish him well.

He has displayed so many great attributes as a bandsman and soloist and we are sad to see him go."

Auditions

4BR understands that the band will now look to audition for a new solo euphonium player well ahead of their British Open appearance in September, whilst the band has also gained messages of congratulations from every corner of the banding globe since their success.

"We have had e-mails and messages from all over the world,"Paul added. "It shows that the historic Wingates Band name is one that is recognised and admired."

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    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd