*
banner

New quartet to spearhead inspiration at University of Huddersfield

Students at the University of Huddersfield will be inspired by a quartet of world class brass musicians — and you can find out more at a special Open Day this week.

Huddersfield
  Four new tutors will help inspire students at the University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield has announced that it will be holding a special Open Day on Friday 30th November to invite prospective students to find out more about the type of courses it has to offer.

Brass students will be especially interested to learn that four new musicians will join the music department.

Cornet and trombone

UoH Head of Brass, Richard Ward told 4BR: "We're delighted to welcome a new quartet of fantastic musicians in Kirsty Abbotts on cornet, Kevin Holbrough on jazz trombone, David Nesbitt-Rex on tuba and Daniel Thomas on euphonium.

Kirsty is one of the leading and most respected cornet players in the world and a Yamaha Performance Artist. As a graduate of the University, it's fantastic that she will now be able to inspire the next generation of students.

As everyone knows, Kirsty is a remarkable performer with a cornet sound that has enchanted audiences and adjudicators alike — as her amazing list of solo accolades and awards show.

Kevin is one of the leading 'go to' jazz trombone and session musicians. Whether it be pop, jazz, commercial recordings or tour groups. He is regarded in such high regard by his playing peers and associates and it is a great opportunity for students to learn form him."

Tuba and euphonium

He added: "We are especially pleased that tuba players will benefit from the skills of David Nesbitt-Rex — rightly regarded as one of the finest tuba players of his generation.

As well as a remarkable career in brass bands with the likes of Black Dyke and many of the UK's leading orchestras, his breadth of performance knowledge from solo engagements, chamber music, to rock/pop/electronic and avant-garde will make him an essential addition to our team.

And as for an inspirational euphonium player — there can be none better than Daniel Thomas of Black Dyke.

A former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner he is regarded as the finest young euphonium player of his generation."

We are extremely proud of the facilities and opportunities the University has to offer students, and I hope as many as possible take the opportunity to visit us on the Open Day to visit the campus and find out moreHead of Brass, Richard Ward

Proud

Richard concluded: "We are extremely proud of the facilities and opportunities the University has to offer students, and I hope as many as possible take the opportunity to visit us on the Open Day to visit the campus and find out more."

Contact and information

If you'd like a chat or have questions about what we do people can contact me on richard.ward@hud.ac.uk

More information: https://www.hud.ac.uk/open-days/undergraduate/

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    


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Fodens

Jeffers takes horn lead at Foden's

June 11 • Grace Jeffers makes the solo horn seat her own at the North West champion.


Cory

Cory add Hutcherson experience to cornet section

June 11 • The experienced Jeff Hutcherson has joined the Welsh champion from BTM Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd