*
banner

Austin set for 90th celebration

The hugely respected brass retailer, publisher and Salvationist Trevor Austin will reach a landmark birthday next week.

aUSTIN
  Trevor Austin is one of the most respected figures in the retail and publishing world of brass

The brass band movement throughout the world will be joining staff and friends of Rosehill Instruments of Beaconsfield, in celebrating the 90th birthday of its founding director, Trevor Austin.

He reaches the landmark on February 24th.

Rosehill Instruments

Best known as the founder of Rosehill Instruments, he set up the company in 1967 to formalise a previously part-time activity of sourcing and supplying brass instruments to friends whilst continuing to study business and earn a living in the construction industry.

Trevor had played in the Salvation Army's Rosehill Band prior to its disbandment in 1951, and Albert Jakeway, the band's longest-standing conductor, approved the reuse of the name.

Outstanding

After operating the business from home, he later acquired the site in Beaconsfield in 1975.

He soon built up a network of specialist brass band instrument shops and agents and gained the long held reputation as a brass workshop of outstanding quality.

In 1977, Austin Catelinet acquired the British Bandsman newspaper. With Trevor's close friend Peter Wilson as managing editor, the 'BB' was published each week for twenty-three years from premises shared with the Rosehill Instruments showroom.

Music publishing soon followed with Robert Simpson's National Finals test piece 'Volcano' (1979) among the first works published.

Highlights

As a former euphonium in 1979 he launched the (International) 'Euphonium Player of the Year' award. Barrie Perrins was its first recipient, and over the years many of the world's finest performers were honoured with the title. It was last awarded in 2004 to David Childs.

A career highlight was his involvement in the centenary British Bandsman concert in 1987, a recording of which is still available on CD or to download.

British Bandsman was sold in 2000 to Kapitol Media, whilst the publishing company also passed into new ownership. The mid 1990s saw Trevor hand the reins of the music retail business to his son, Paul. However, he continued to maintain contact with his many loyal customers.

He soon built up a network of specialist brass band instrument shops and agents and gained the long held reputation as a brass workshop of outstanding quality4BR

Proud

Trevor was immensely proud of the setting up of the Rosehill Evangelical Mission (founded in 1998) as an orphanage and widows' home in south India, and now includes other outreach projects.

The Rosehill Medical Mission is currently helping to establish a 120-place nurses' training school for Dalit ('untouchable') girls, who would otherwise be unable to gain employment in their own country.

First instruments

A committed Salvationist from childhood, Trevor was founding chairman and current President of the British Association of Christian Bands.

Over the years, Trevor has built long-lasting relationships with numerous brass-playing customers and enthusiasts all over the world, and many leading players in the brass band movement can look back on having purchased their first instrument from him.

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


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


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd