*
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    


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


IBBSS

IBBSS Gala Concert to round off Swansea week

June 30 • There will be a Gala Concert packed with performers and stars to enjoy in Swansea at the end of July to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School course.


a4

A4 Brass Quartet ready for busy tour season

June 30 • The critically acclaimed brass quartet can be enjoyed in concert at various compass points throughout the next few months.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Marconi Brass

June 30 • We are a friendly, ambitious Second Section band in Rochester, aiming for promotion to the First Section under MD Jonathan Crowhurst. We have a busy concert calendar across Kent and are seeking a BBb Bass and two Cornet players (positions negotiable).


Cambrian Brass

June 29 • 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.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

June 29 • PERCUSSIONIST: DRUM KIT - Nottinghamshire based 1st section band. We are a youthful, welcoming band and would love to hear from you. We rehearse Thursday evenings and have a well balanced schedule of concerts and competitions.


Stephen Phillips

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd