*
banner

Wednesday interview with David Karran

We talk to David Karran — MD of Onchan Silver Band who will be travelling over from the Isle of Man to make their North West Regional Championship debuts on Sunday — some 85 years after they were first formed.

David Karran
  David returned home to take up the baton with the band 18 months ago

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

It's the Wednesday interview on 4BR and with the health of the banding nation very much under scrutiny in the coming weeks, its great to report on a band that will be making its Regional Championship debut this weekend — at the tender age of 85.

Not only that, but they will be making a trip over sea to take part in the Fourth Section at the North West Area Championships in Blackpool on Sunday — as Onchan Silver Band hails from the Isle of Man.

We talk to their MD, David Karran who returned home after 15 years away playing with the likes of Brighouse & Rastrick and City of Bradford, to the band he grew up in to start a new chapter in their history — and that first Area Championship appearance.


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    


Swedish

Results: 2025 Swedish National Championships

November 9 • Gota Brass make it eight wins in a row as they secure the Swedish title yet again


Paul Mealor

Mealor provides 12 answers

November 9 • Composer Paul Mealor reveals more about his life, work and future plans — including his latest brass band world premiere.


Webster

Webster passes on expertise to brass band students

November 9 • Roger Webster recently added to the student appeal of studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.


Varley

Varley takes decision to end Grimethorpe tenure

November 9 • Grimethorpe's respected solo horn player Helen Varley has stepped down from playing with the Yorkshire band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Audley Brass

November 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Tintwistle Band

November 9 • Attention soprano cornet players!. Tintwistle band (famed for the number 1 hit single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs!) are looking for a soprano cornet player!. We are 2nd section, enjoy all year round concerts/contests, and band social events.


Harlow Brass Band

November 8 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd