*
banner

Whitfield joins Watkins to spearhead Pemberton

Matt Whitfield has joined Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band as its new resident conductor to work alongside professional conductor Ryan Watkins

Pemberton Old
  The band is looking forward to working under the new conducting team.

The Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band has announced the appointment of Matt Whitfield as their new Resident Conductor.

Matt, who recently stepped down from the MD role at Rivington & Adlington Band will work in collaboration with Professional Conductor, Ryan Watkins.

2024 success

The band has enjoyed a successful 2024 contest season, with Ryan Watkins leading them to qualification for the Royal Albert Hall National Final as well as a clutch of March & Hymn Tune contest successes.

A band spokesperson said: "Together, Matt and Ryan will bring a dynamic partnership enhancing our concert performances and leading us to such important contests at the Royal Albert Hall and the Scottish Open later this year."

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    


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • The 2026 Dutch National Championships take place in Utrecht this weekend with 4BR covering the event at the TivoliVredenburg.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan launches online Tuba Shop

October 21 • The Black Dyke Band tuba star has launched his online store that caters for all things low brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Thursday 22 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd