*
banner

Neish and Smith add to Summer School attractions

Tuba soloist Les Neish and trombone star Becky Smith add to the star studded line-up of tutors on the Brass Band Summer School in Harrogate in August.

Neish
  Becky Smith and Les Neish join the tutor ranks at the Brass Band Summer School

Following the retirement of long-serving tutors, Nicholas Hudson (trombone) and Steve Sykes (tuba), the Brass Band Summer School (BBSS) has announced that the respected duo of Becky Smith (trombone) and Les Neish (tuba) will be joining its star line-up of tutorial staff.

Tutors

Together with David Childs (euphoniums and baritones), Owen Farr (tenor horns and flugels), James Fountain and Brian Taylor (cornets), Lee Skipsey (percussion) and Richard Evans (Musical Director), Becky and Les will be part of the course that will run from 9th to 15th August at Harrogate Ladies College inNorth Yorkshire.

Becky, is a former member of both Foden's and YBS Bands, is a founder member of the highly successful Bones Apart trombone quartet. She is currently Principal Trombone at English National Opera.

Meanwhile, renowned Besson tuba player Les Neish is also a former member of Foden's and leads an eclectic career as soloist, chamber musician with Fine Arts Brass, a member of Brass Band of Battle Creek and conductor of the RNCM Junior Brass Band.

Huge part

Speaking about the changes Owen Farr told 4BR: "Nick and Steve have been a huge part of the BBSS for many years and, naturally, we were all saddened when they decided to retire this summer.

However, everyone remains grateful for their incredible service and inspiration over the years, and wish them all the very best for the future."

We're absolutely delighted that Becky and Les will be joining us. Not only are they incredible players and inspirational teachers, but they are also wonderful charactersDavid Childs

Delighted

Meanwhile, David Childs added: "We're absolutely delighted that Becky and Les will be joining us. Not only are they incredible players and inspirational teachers, but they are also wonderful characters."

2020 BBSS delegates will have the opportunity to work with, listen to and socialise with the tutorial staff under the inspirational leadership of Richard Evans at the School's North Yorkshire home in the picturesque spa town of Harrogate, which it relocated to in 2019.

More information:

For more information and to book your place visit: www.brassbandsummerschool.com

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    


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Andrew White

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd