*
banner

Wilkinson no longer on Reserve list

Dr Keith Wilkinson has taken the decision to retire form his role as Music Director of Brass Band of the Western Reserve in Ohio after 24 years at the helm.

BBWR
  Dr Keith Wilkinson has led the band since its formation in 1997

It has been confirmed that Dr Keith M Wilkinson has taken the decision to retire from his role as Music Director of Brass Band of the Western Reserve in north-east Ohio.

The former GUS and William Davis Band conductor has held the role since its formation in 1997. A change in employment necessitated Keith and his wife, Audrey, to move to Delaware in 2002 making a two-hour commute each way for rehearsals, concerts and other activities.

4BR understands that the prospect of resuming these future journeys when Covid-19 allows has led to Keith's decision. It is jointly felt that as the band has been inactive since March 2020, the enforced break presents an ideal time to make the transition to a new director.

Privilege

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "When Keith made the move to USA 25 years ago he had already established a fine reputation as a successful director of brass bands and BBWR has been privileged to benefit greatly from his experience.

We wish him all the best for the future and hope he returns as an occasional guest conductor. We would also like to place on record our huge appreciation for the contribution made by Keith's wife Audrey.

Not only has she been a regular source of support and encouragement but has taken on several behind-the-scenes activities — including being a wonderful compere at concerts."

When Keith made the move to USA 25 years ago he had already established a fine reputation as a successful director of brass bands and BBWR has been privileged to benefit greatly from his experienceBBWR.

Respected

Keith has led the band both on the competition and concert stage gaining a respected reputation as a concert and recording ensemble.

He has also been a regular guest-director with several other bands in USA and Canada and has enjoyed a number of excursions back to Britain in recent years as a guest conductor.

His reputation as a highly respected arranger for the banding medium has seen the publication of well over 150 works that bear his signature, and 4BR understands that he now hopes to be able to add to his catalogue as well as take the opportunity to carry on conducting on a freelance basis.

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


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


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.


Crewe Brass

September 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player 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.


Crewe Brass

September 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player 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.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd