*
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    


Tewit Youth

Tewit doff caps for Downton premiere

September 12 • Martin Hall and players from Tewit Youth Band will be seen and heard in action on the latest Down Abbey film


NYBBGB

Harper and Brabbins spearhead new era at NYBBGB

September 12 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain heralds a new era of artistic leadership and outlook from Philip Harper and Martyn Brabbins.


bbe England

Restructuring at BBE as funding challenges tighten

September 12 • There have been job losses and restructuring of roles at Brass Bands England as the funding landscape produces extensive challenges for the future.


RBC

Audition process starts at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

September 12 • If you are looking to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2026 then auditions are being held this November.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd