*
banner

Baker brings Police role to a close

Leigh Baker has decided to step down from his role as Musical Director of South Yorkshire Police Band after 14 years at the helm.

Baker
  The highlight of the tenure was a fine National Championship victory.

After nearly fourteen successful years leading the South Yorkshire Police Band, Leigh Baker has stepped down from the role as Musical Director.

His tenure saw the band build in confidence and consistency to claim Yorkshire Area titles in 2011 and again in 2019 in the Second Section which led to them going on to claim the National title in Cheltenham.

The band also enjoyed other local contesting success as well as building a fine reputation for their concert appearances.

Travel time

Leigh's recent house move has increased his travel time to South Yorkshire, and after great deliberation, he has taken the decision to step down after the busy Christmas season.

He told 4BR: "I'm sad to be moving on. The band is in great shape with a fabulous set up and ethos, and I'm sure they will continue to make significant progress. I'm looking forward to new (nearer!) challenges in the new year."

Leigh's time with the band has been so fruitful in terms of high-quality concerts and contests. We are sorry to see him go and wish him well in his future venturesSouth Yorkshire Police Band

Fruitful

Band Manager, Simon Davies added: "Leigh's time with the band has been so fruitful in terms of high-quality concerts and contests. We are sorry to see him go and wish him well in his future ventures."

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Stephen Phillips

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd