*
banner

Agnew keeps Melton in test match spotlight

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew has been making sure the cricketing world knows and hears all about the Melton Band

Melton Band
  Jonathan Agnew is the BBC's cricket correspondent

It hasn't just been the England cricket team making the sporting headlines this week in Pakistan where they won the First Test Match in record breaking fashion.

So too has the BBC cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew — with his euphonium playing.

Second euphonium

'Aggers' as he is affectionately known to cricket listeners around the globe, used to play tuba in his younger days.

Having attended a Christmas concert last year by his local Melton Band, he admitted the sound of brass had given him the desire to play again and he subsequently took on the role of second euphonium with the East Midlanders and throughout the summer kept listeners and his colleagues informed and amused by his musical progress.

Melodies in Multan

Despite broadcasting each day for the tour and its matches, Agnew decided to use his spare time keeping up his regular practice regime of Christmas melodies for his return home in time for carolling duties with the band in Melton Mowbray.

With the instrument carefully wrapped for its journey he finally got in some practice alongside England's travelling 'Barmy Army' supporters for their traditional daily rendition of Hubert Parry's 'Jerusalem'.

This is normally accompanied by trumpeter Simon Finch, who has an association with Amersham Band, but with him not there Agnew joined the group instead.

It was great fun playing Jerusalem for the Barmy Army. I haven't been so nervous for a long time — and obviously we inspired England to a great victory in MultanJonathan Agnew

Compliments

He later admitted on air that he'd received lots of complimentary messages from his colleagues in the band, and made sure that Melton Band was given a worldwide plug, plus a call out for anyone to join them.

He said: "It was great fun playing Jerusalem for the Barmy Army. I haven't been so nervous for a long time — and obviously we inspired England to a great victory in Multan."

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    


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

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


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd