*
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    


Louis Dowdeswell

Dowdeswell ready for final print run

October 15 • The new album from trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell is set to bring high intensity brass to the classics .


Rochdale Contest

Bands ready for Rochdale own-choice challenges

October 15 • There are plenty of bands and plenty of musical choice to enjoy at the Rochdale Contest this weekend.


Wychavon

Wychavon Festival of Brass line-ups confirmed

October 15 • There will be a full day of entertainment at The De Montfort School in Evesham later this month.


Boscombe

Boscombe to welcome Black Dyke Band for 140th anniversary

October 15 • Boscombe Band of the Salvation Army will welcome Black Dyke Band for a joint concert to celebrate 140 years of music making and worship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd