*
banner

Interview with Katy Jones

We talk to the principal trombone of the Halle Orchestra to find out more about her musical life and her commitment to ensuring the next generation of youngsters get the same chances she had to enjoy music making on their own terms.

Katy Jones
  Katy Jones is enjoying giving free lessons to the youngsters at Meltham & Meltham Mills Band

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

4BR is joined for out latest podcast interview by Katy Jones — principal trombone of the Halle Orchestra.

A former winner of the BBC 2 Young Musician of the Year title, her journey to becoming one of the UKs leading professional orchestral trombonists has not been quite what people may have expected — and perhaps what makes her commitment to inspiring the next generation of young brass players in her local community even more interesting.

We caught up with her to find out more about her early brass banding life, her decision to study pharmacy at university before moving into full time professional playing, and her passion and commitment to teaching music to the next generation of brass band players through her link to Meltham & Meltham Mills Band and the Halle Orchestra's innovative outreach programmes.

Image copyright: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd