*
banner

New university challenge for Neish

The Besson tuba star will inspire students at the University of Huddersfield from Sepember.

Les Neish
  Les Neish will take on the rile at Huddersfield from September

Tuba players at the University of Huddersfield (UoH) will soon benefit from the guidance of one of the brass world's finest exponents of the instrument as Les Neish becomes a visiting tuba tutor in September.

Scope

Speaking about the appointment, UoH Head of Brass Richard Ward told 4BR: "I'm delighted that Les is joining the brass team. He is an incredible soloist and has played with many leading ensembles from Brass Band Battle Creek to the London Symphony Orchestra.

His scope as an educator is equally diverse, including teaching positions, tutoring youth bands to worldwide masterclasses and workshops.

I'm sure his enthusiasm and fantastic playing will be an inspiration to the brass players at UoH".

I'm really looking forward to meeting the tuba players and being part of a thriving music department at the UniversityLes Neish

Brass team

Les joins a team of brass tutors at Huddersfield that includes brass band stars Kirsty Abbott and Dan Thomas.

In response to the news, Les told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to meeting the tuba players and being part of a thriving music department at the University.

It has produced top class players for many years and I am excited to have the opportunity to develop the tuba department even further."

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


EBBC

2026 European Championship ticket sale date announced

January 16 • Tickets for the 47th European Brass Band Championships in Linz will go on sale on Tuesday 20th January.


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd