*
banner

New trio at Uppermill

Three new players have joined the ranks of Uppermill Band as they continue to rebuild.

Signing
  The Uppermill Band has welcomed the three new signings

Uppermill Band has announced a trio of new signings as they look to continue their encouraging process of rebuilding after the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool.

New trio

Thomas Bull joins on front row cornet following a short break from playing. A product of Hebden Bridge Junior band he has also enjoyed spells with Friendly Band, Pilling Jubilee and Lancaster University Brass Band.

Debbie Whiteley-Sykes began her musical career as a saxophonist but moved to cornet under the guidance of the late Neil Jowett. She has since played for Lindley Band's Tower Brass, Huddersfield & Ripponden and Emley Band, and with the encouragement of Uppermill players is now realising a long-held ambition to play tenor horn.

Finally, Ben Emms joins on Eb bass, showing his flexibility after a 20-year tenure on Bb bass, most recently with Friezland Band.

We are still looking to add to the ranks, so if anyone wants to join a band with an exciting future, please get in touchUppermill Band

Really pleased

Speaking about the new arrivals, Band Secretary Katie Woodward told 4BR: "We are really pleased to have attracted three players of this calibre and experience. They've fitted straight into the team and have got our rebuilding process off to a really good start.

We are still looking to add to the ranks, so if anyone wants to join a band with an exciting future, please get in touch."

Get in touch

Contact: uppermillbrassband@gmail.com

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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd