*
banner

Sparkes united

United Co-op conductor Jef Sparkes has tied the knot to his flugel player...

Jef Sparkes
 

MD of the United Co-op Band (Crewe) Jef Sparkes and the bands flugel horn player Sarah Brown have tied the knot over Christmas in a ceremony held at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire.

Special music

The service music included 'Prelude on Tallis', 'Winter', 'An Irish Blessing' and a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'.

The service music included ...a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'4BR

Wedding night entertainment

With three best-men and five bridesmaids it turned into a big day featuring the band along with friends from Wrexham Brass and Fodens all conducted by Kevin Birch.

The evening saw Bride and Groom performing on trumpet and trombone to family and friends in their favourite song 'Higher and Higher' along with the nine piece live band "Blow Zone" who entertained the evening guests long into the night.

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    


Black Dyke Band

Plaudit crescendo for Black Dyke Proms appearance

July 21 • Fans and critics alike have joined in a chorus of plaudits and congratulations for Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms appearance alongside soloist David Childs.


Edward

Richard Fife Award won by tuba player

July 21 • Tredegar tuba player Edward Falloon is the 2026 winner of the prestigious Richard Fice Solo competition.


Wright and Round

Wright and Round: Say a Little Prayer (Burt Bacharach arr. Ray Farr)

July 21 • A classic bit of easy listening 1960s magic for any concert programme.


City of Bristol

New leadership roles at City of Bristol

July 21 • Mark Dallas and Andrew Read take on new roles to help push Bristol band forward.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd