*
banner

Dexter speeds up his horn playing

11 year old Dexter Speed is managing to fit in an amazing amount of playing as he adds the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain to his rehearsal regime.

Dexter Speed
  Dexter Speed will now add the National Childrens Band to his playing portfolio

11 year old tenor horn player Dexter Speed has been invited to play with the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain.

Amazingly, Dexter finds time to play with the Dereham Band and East Coast Brass, as well as being a member of the Watton Band, Oxfordshire Youth Brass Band, Grimethorpe Youth Band, and the North East Midlands Brass Band Association Youth Band!

He appeared in his first contest with Oxfordshire Youth Brass Band (then known as Blewbury Youth Band) in 2017 and took part in both the London & Southern Counties regional contest and the National Finals with Great Yarmouth Band in 2018.

Dexter has earned his opportunity to play with the National Children's Band through a lot of hard work and talentPaul Speed

Hard work and talent

His dad, and MD of East Coast Brass, Paul Speed told 4BR: "Dexter has earned his opportunity to play with the National Children's Band through a lot of hard work and talent.

He's become a valued member of the East Coast Brass horn section and recently performed his first solo with Dereham Band at their Christmas concert.

We're all very proud of him, and hope that this opportunity will give him the chance to develop his playing career further as he looks to emulate his banding hero Sheona Wade."

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


John Durrant

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd