*
banner

End of Union for Davis

John Davis has relinquished his role as Musical Director of Unite the Union Band

Unite
  The band claimed the Yorkshire First Section Area title under his baton in 2020

The Unite the Union Band has announced that MD John Davis has decided to relinquish his role with the Yorkshire band.

Two year tenure

It brings to an end a two-year tenure marked by significant musical success. The Sheffield based band has maintained its British Open Spring Festival status and enjoyed promotion back into the Yorkshire Area Championship Section.

Under his direction the band claimed the Yorkshire First Section Area title in 2020 and went on to come fifth at the National Finals in Cheltenham, whilst they also gained a well earned reputation for providing inventive concert and entertainment contest programmes.

John brought a real sense of passion, enthusiasm and drive to the band during his time with usUnite the Union Band

Passion

Band Chairperson, Melissa Maddison told 4BR: "John brought a real sense of passion, enthusiasm and drive to the band during his time with us.

His personality and ability to get the most out of the band when it really mattered, such as our success in winning the Yorkshire Area First Section title in 2020 was a fantastic example of his musical leadership and skill.

It is with great reluctance that the band are seeing John leave his role. We thank him for all of his hard work during his time and wish him every success for the future."

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    


kAPITOL

2026 National Finals test-pieces announced

March 30 • Works by Philip Sparke, Andrew Wainwright, Eric Ball, Thierry Deleruyelle and Peter Graham will challenge the Albert Hall and York Barbican finalists.


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

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


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd