*
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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd