*
banner

Snell to start new musical chapter in New Zealand

The six year musical partnership between Andrew Snell and Darebin City Brass- Preston Band comes to an end as MD looks forward to new musical chapter in New Zealand.

Darebin
  The musical partnership was the most successful in the band's 90 year history.

The six year musical partnership between Andrew Snell and Darebin City Brass- Preston Band has come to end.

The band announced that he is to embark on a new musical chapter in his life in New Zealand where he will become the Manager of the Performing Arts at the Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch.

Most successful

Since his appointment in 2014 the band has gone on to enjoy the most successful contesting period in its 90 year history, winning the Victorian State Brass Band Championship on four occasions as well as the Latrobe Valley and Boroondara Eisteddfod titles — the latter on his last contest appearance with the band earlier this month.

The band also topped the own-choice section of the 2017 and 2019 Australian National Championships and claimed at top-six place finish at the 2018 New Zealand Championships.

Away from the contesting stage, he was instrumental in developing an exciting and varied calendar of performance opportunities for his band, including appearances at the prestigious Port Fairy Music Festival and Bright Autumn Festival as well as producing two critically acclaimed recordings.

Wonderful

He told 4BR: "It's been a wonderful few years with many memorable highlights, culminating in an extraordinary performance of 'Hypercube' at the National Championships in Brisbane. The work ethic of the band has been first class, the support of the committee and senior players even better, but the genuine friendships will be the thing I miss most."

In response Band President Chris Lee said: "Andrew's influence was unlike anything else the band has experienced. He helped us bring excitement and passion to the music we played.

The work ethic of the band has been first class, the support of the committee and senior players even better, but the genuine friendships will be the thing I miss mostAndrew Snell

Perfect balance

Performing on stage with Andrew was one hell of an experience; the force, energy and sonic colour was incredible. He had the perfect balance of all things that made for a great top flight MD. Andrew is a fine man, musician, conductor and friend and we will miss him very much.

We offer Andrew and his family our sincere gratitude for the past 6 years, and extend to them our best wishes for the next chapter of their lives in New Zealand."

Following Andrew's final contest engagement the band was able to publicly thank him and his family at a farewell dinner at the Glenferrie Hotel in Hawthorn.

Andrew and his wife Lindsay were presented with a beautiful print of the Paris landmark 'La Grande Arch' — part of the inspiration for the composition of 'Hypercube.'

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd