*
banner

Maines connection ends at National Youth

John Maines steps down from 42 years of outstanding service to the National Youth Band of Great Britain.

John Maines
  John Maines has taken on numerous roles with so many bands and organisations over the years

John Maines, one of the stalwart figures of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has announced that he is to step down from active involvement with the organisation after over 42 years of dedicated service.

Wonderful association

"I now feel it is time for me to retire from this great organisation,"he told 4BR. "My wonderful association started in 1963 as a young trombone player where I made many lifelong friends.

In 1979 I was invited by Harry Mortimer to become trombone tutor of the band. I held that position for 30 years until passing it on to a younger pool of tutors, and then have enjoyed being the librarian and conducting audition sessions around the country."

Trustee

John was also honoured to become a trustee of the band — a role that saw him take an active part in providing guidance and shaping the organisation for the new demands of the 21st century.

"I was honoured to do this role,"he added. "I have enjoyed many happy memories during my time with the National Youth and more latterly with the National Childrens' Band working alongside world class conductors, soloists and instrumental tutors.

The social side of things has also been amazingly rewarding — especially coming up with the quizzes, informal concerts and not forgetting all the 'unofficial' staff meetings!"

Thanks

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of staff, tutors and the thousands of players through the years for making my time with the organisation such a memorable and rewarding one."

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd