*
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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd