*
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    


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


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


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


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.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd