*
banner

Top end changes at Skelmersdale

A new soprano, principal cornet and bumper-up are put in place at former Third Section National Champions.

Skelmerdale
  The new signings have been welcomed by MD Ben Coulson

There have been some important personnel changes at Skelmersdale Prize Band.

Although the band missed out on the prize-winning frame at the recent Brighouse March & Hymn Tune contest, the event marked a fitting swan song for their highly respected soprano player Kenny Pain.

Sop departure

Kenny joined just before their Third Section National Final victory in 2022 and has been an integral part of their growing success since, notably featuring as their soloist at the Bolsover contest.

Speaking about his departure, MD Ben Coulson said: "Kenny has been such an asset. His attitude has been incredibly influential and his joyful banter infectious. He'll be sorely missed."

His place will be filled by long-standing principal cornet player James Ball, with the MD adding: "I've always thought that James had the potential to be an outstanding soprano player.

Like Kenny he has all the attributes needed to make a sublime performer, and I really look forward to working with him in this role."

Lizzy is a fine player and brings with her a wealth of knowledge after a long tenure on principal cornet primarily with Longridge. She has so much to offerMD, Ben Coulson

New principal and co-principal

That move has in turn created an exciting opportunity for new principal cornet appointment Elizabeth Hemingway.

In welcoming her, Ben Coulson said: "Lizzy is a fine player and brings with her a wealth of knowledge after a long tenure on principal cornet primarily with Longridge. She has so much to offer."

The final move sees Adam Galloway come in as co-principal cornet, with Ben adding: "Adam has been with us for some time now and is an extremely accomplished player."

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    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


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


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd