*
banner

Holland ends Wantage tenure as King steps into MD role

Paul Holland and Wantage Band reach a final chord as Chris King gets ready to take on a new MD role.

Paul Holland
  Paul Holland conducted the band for six years

It has been announced that the six-year musical partnership between Wantage Band and Paul Holland has come to an end.

With the band's long term ambitions colliding with Paul's increasingly busy professional schedule, the mutual decision has been made with both parties thanking each other for the progress and success made together.

Thanks

Band Chairperson Sam Wyne stated: "The band is aiming high and working hard and is in a good place now to cope with a change of leadership. Paul is a fantastic conductor and musician and we want to thank him for everything he has done over the past six years."

He added: "We will remain very good friends and maintain links with him. Over the years he has become part of the family and established huge progress from the band which we now hope to build on further."

Positive memories

In response Paul added: "I'm sorry to be leaving but realise the band requires a full time MD to help push further forward. Increased conducting commitments at home and abroad have seen me spend less time on the concert and contest stage as we would both have liked, so now is a good time to make a change.

I leave with so many positive memories of an organisation at the heart of their community and know they will continue this good work into the future."

During his period at the helm Paul oversaw promotions to the Senior Cup and Grand Shield, new personnel, podium finishes at several contests, and the implementation of several initiatives that have raised the profile of the band.

His final engagement is on Saturday 10th June in a joint concert in Basingstoke.

I leave with so many positive memories of an organisation at the heart of their community and know they will continue this good work into the futurePaul Holland

New MD

The news has been announced to ensure a seamless handing over to Chris King, who recently stepped down from the MD role at Friary Brass.

Speaking about his appointment he said: "I've known about the success of the Wantage organisation for many years, and with the changes in my banding circumstances it seems things have aligned and I'm delighted to become their full-time MD.

I firmly believe in the work that organisations like this are doing in their communities. I think we are a natural fit and I have so many ideas and projects in mind."

Wantage Bandmaster Gav Clemons added: "This is an excellent move. We can't thank Paul enough and we hope this will build even greater consistency. Chris is fantastic in front of a band and I know we are excited to work under his musical influence."

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review to go live...

July 15 • For the next episode on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm, the 4BR Review will be live broadcast — and we want your to ask the questions that matter...


Ambassord

National Youth Ambassadors inspire Bradford youngsters

July 15 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble has played their part in celebrating all things brass in Bradford.


IBBSS

Great Hall conclusion for IBBSS global delegates

July 15 • The Great Hall at Swansea University will provide the venue to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School.


Wardle Blast

Wardle Blast help tie global city links

July 15 • The commercial connection between the cities of Manchester and Osaka have been strengthened by the brilliant youngsters of Wardle Blast.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Moorlands Brass

July 15 • We are a new community band based in Staffordshire moorlands, and are looking for players of all abilities in all sections.So come along and give us a try you will be made very welcome.


Chinnor Silver

July 15 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday at 11am (21st) and we would welcome any player (all abilities welcome) to join us.We are a friendly group who just love playing together and chatting during our cake and coffee break.. BONUS its all free


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd