*
banner

One door closes but another one opens for Strata Brass

Strata Brass makes the move to a new home and future after a 40 year tenure comes to a redeveloped end.

Starta
  The old bandroom was locked up for the last time — but a great new home has been found

Strata Brass has locked the door for a final time on one musical chapter of its existence and opened another as they look towards the future.

Due to a redevelopment scheme they have had to leave the rehearsal headquarters in Hoyland, Barnsley that has been their home for the past 40 years and which has been a welcoming home for players and conductors alike.

New base

Thankfully, the band worked tirelessly to ensure they were not left homeless and has found a great new base at nearby Elsecar Parish Hall.

It did however mean that 40 years of library music, instruments and assorted memorabilia and stock had to be moved, but a great effort has seen the band do just that to make their new base feel like a new home.

New era

The band posted on their Facebook site: "Members moved all of the band's gear down the hill from the old bandroom to this new rehearsal facility.

As well as the usual heavy items such as timpani, basses and stand boxes, not to mention the band's extensive library, the team were able to find places for more sentimental items like photos and the trophy cabinet to start making the new place feel that bit more like home."

However, we always look to the future and we can't help being excited by the start of a new era in our new home and hopefully many more years of successStrata Brass

Future

Band Manager Robert Hardy added: "Closing and locking the door on a building which I have called my band home for so many years was certainly a very strange feeling.

However, we always look to the future and we can't help being excited by the start of a new era in our new home and hopefully many more years of success!"

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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd