*
banner

Hammonds boost as Abbotts take top role

Hammonds Band has been further boosted by the appointment of Kirsty Abbotts as their new principal cornet.

kIRSTY aBBOTTS
  The acclaimed Geneva Instruments star made her debut with Hammonds at Brass in Concert

Hammonds Band's encouraging result at the recent Brass in Concert Championship has been further boosted by the news that it came with the addition of the acclaimed cornet star Kirsty Abbotts joining their ranks.

Warm applause

The Geneva Artist took to the stage as principal cornet, gaining warm applause from the audience at Sage Gateshead where her playing has been a huge attraction over the years.

Speaking about the appointment, Musical Director Morgan Griffiths told 4BR: "It was wonderful to welcome Kirsty in time for the contest, and I'm now thoroughly looking forward to working with her leading the band.

Having such an accomplished performer join alongside our other signings will only further enhance our performances."

Having such an accomplished performer join alongside our other signings will only further enhance our performancesMD, Morgan Griffiths

Look forward

Kirsty has taken over from Phil Varley who has stepped down from the role, with Morgan adding: "Phil has done a wonderful job as top man, notably winning the best soloist prize at the Yorkshire areas in 2017, and we now look forward to his continued contribution as bumper-up".

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    


nybbgb

NYBBGB Conductor finalists announced

December 5 • The quartet of conductors looking to claim the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Young Conductors' Competition title have been confirmed.


Music

4BR Review — Episode 12

December 5 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas discuss if we are starting to see a change in the music being performed at at major contests, concerts and on recordings.


Thurcroft Welfare

Thurcroft honour stalwart trio

December 4 • Three remarkable servants of Thurcroft Welfare Band have been honoured for their decades of dedicated commitment.


Purcell Brass

Purcell Brass Experience aims to inspire the next generation of performers

December 4 • The UK's oldest specialist music school has announced the launch of its new Purcell Brass Experience — and its free.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Thornton Cleveleys Band

December 5 • Thornton Cleveleys Band are welcoming applications for the position of musical director. We are a North West 3rd section band based just outside Blackpool.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings 19:30-21:30. Well attended and only a couple of vacancies


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks an Eb bass player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks a flugel player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd