*
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    


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd