*
banner

All aboard...

A trio of new players choose their next banding destination at York Railway Institute Band.

York Railway
  The trio of young stars hop on board with the band

York Railway Institute Band has welcome on board three new signings.

Brandon Fletcher comes in on bass trombone, Milly Brough Jones on solo cornet and Tom Durrant on second horn.

Signings

Brandon come to the band after being part of the University of York Brass Band, both a tenor trombone player and more latterly as Musical Director. During his three years at the helm he led the band to second place at the 2019 and 2022 UniBrass Championships.

He said: "York Railway Institute is a new challenge for me, but one which I plan to grasp successfully."

University of York student Millie enjoyed a long association with the Shepherd Group Band where she progressed to become principal cornet in their youth band and solo cornet in the concert band and part of the cornet team in the senior band. She is also enjoying playing flugel with the university brass band.

Milly added: "I'm excited to be joining such a friendly, welcoming band and to be getting stuck into the challenge of working on the varied range of interesting repertoire and concerts the band performs."

Debut

The trio is completed by Tom who is also a York University student. He started playing with Llangollen Silver Band and Wrexham County Senior Youth Band. He also joined the University of York Band on solo horn.

He added: "I'm looking forward to my contesting debut at the Bolsover Entertainment Contest in October. My playing and confidence have already improved, and I am eager to develop further as a player under Dr David Lancaster."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


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


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd