*
banner

Skipsey reflects on Bradford journey

4BR catches up with Lee Skipsey following the announcement that he has stepped down as Musical Director of the City of Bradford Band — an organisation he helped inspire on its own journey to amazing success.

Lee Skipsey
  The crowning glory of the decade was leading the band to a top 10 finish at the National Finals

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to the inspirational conductor who in a decade was the musical inspiration behind the rise of the City of Bradford Band organisation — from the Third Section to a top 10 finish at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Its been an incredible journey — with National title success for not one but two bands in the organisation, the creation of a structure that allows players to develop as they wish and friends who have made it all possible.

Lee talks about his time with the band and the people who gave so much to help them achieve so much and in laying the foundations that he believes will see them continue to flourish.

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd