*
banner

Neish makes great return to Selkirk

Les Neish recently made a welcome concert and workshop return to Selkirk Silver Band.

les Neish
  Les Neish made a welcome return to Selkirk

Besson tuba star Les Neish made a welcome return to the Scottish Borders recently as guest soloists with Selkirk Silver Band.

In addition to appearing at the autumn concert, Les also took the opportunity to work with MD Stuart Black in leading a workshop for youngsters.

Great mixture

It was a great mixture of the band's junior members and learner group and even saw three new players who had never picked up a brass band instrument before.

On Saturday evening Les wowed the audience with his playing — performing classics such as 'Jenny Jones' and 'Londonderry Air' as well as showcasing a new duet entitled 'Parting' with principal Eb bass player Chris Highton written by Scottish composer Gareth Bowman.

Led also played some unaccompanied pieces — including his own special version of 'Happy Birthday' before taking to the stage with not only the band, but all the youngsters from the morning workshop to perform Alan Fernie's 'African Funk'.

It's always a pleasure to have Les with us — a link that now stretched over 15 yearsStuart Black

Delighted

A delighted MD Stuart Black told 4BR: "It's always a pleasure to have Les with us — a link that now stretched over 15 years.

His enthusiasm and musical energy is second to none. My thanks to Besson for helping us bring him here to inspire all the musicians and we look forward to working with him again in the future."

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    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd