*
banner

Baker to return to Reserve status

Black Dyke trombone star Brett Baker is to link up with Keith Wilkinson and Brass Band of the Western Reserve later this month.

bRASS bAND OF wESTERN rESERVE
  Brett Baker will once again link up with Keith Wilkinson and Brass Band of the Western Reserve

Black Dyke trombone star Brett Baker will be flying to the USA later this month to link up with conductor Keith Wilkinson and Brass Band of the Western Reserve.

Ninth visit

Brett will be performing in a special 20th anniversary celebration concert with the band on March 24th at the Medina Performing Arts Centre. It also marks Brett's ninth visit to perform with the band which is led by the former William Davis and GUS conductor.

Brett and Keith first became friends when he performed as a guest of the William Davis Band on a tour of Switzerland in 1995, during which Keith started on his celebrated arrangement of Arthur Pryor's 'Annie Laurie' which included a final variation heard previously only on Pryor's recording of the solo.

It led to a series of further arrangements which now grace the portfolio of just every top trombone player in the banding world, with the latest, Pryor's 'Parisian Melodies' to be premiered by Brett on this latest visit4BR

Parisian premiere

It led to a series of further arrangements which now grace the portfolio of just every top trombone player in the banding world, with the latest, Pryor's 'Parisian Melodies' to be premiered by Brett on this latest visit.

One other title that Brett is due to perform is especially nostalgic for Keith. In 1982 Bill Geldard made a wonderful arrangement of Gershwin's 'I Loves You Porgy' for Don Lusher to play on a GUS Band recording. Keith is now looking forward to conducting it again.

Brett's visit will be something of a whirlwind visit, but he will have time to include a masterclass the day he arrives before an evening open rehearsal with the band.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd