*
banner

Sykes takes Woodfalls lead

Stephen Sykes becomes the new Musical Director of Woodfalls Band

Stephen Sykes
  Stephen Sykes has taken over the baton at Woodfalls Band

The Woodfalls Band has announced the appointment of Stephen Sykes as its new Musical Director.

The former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year has an extensive CV of achievements as a player in the professional orchestra and elite level brass banding worlds.

Experience

He has performed with the likes of the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Welsh National Opera, as well as Black Dyke, Cory, Tredegar and Fairey Bands. He also won the prestigious Don Lusher Jazz Performance prize and has been an invited soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Over recent years he has steadily increased his conducting experience with band such as SW Comms, Lydbrook and Forest of Dean Brass and has taken the baton at the 2017 West of England Area champion with immediate effect.

Leadership

Woodfalls Band Chairperson, Paul Street told 4BR: "When Stephen took his first rehearsal there was a sense of excitement that we had found someone willing to put in the hard work and give the musical direction and leadership required to lead us back to playing at the top level again."

The band have already enjoyed several rehearsals under Stephen's direction as they plan for a busy Autumn schedule of events.

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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

September 17 • More brass band music from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge with a flavour of the National Finals at Cheltenham.


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


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


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd