*
banner

YBS lose soprano

Claire Taylor has announced her decision to leave her soprano seat at YBS.

YBS
 

YBS soprano player Claire Taylor has told 4BR o her decision to leave her position with the band with immediate effect.

Claire told 4BR: "It is with deep regret that I have to announce my departure from the YBS band effective immediately.

Fantastic time

I have had a fantastic time over my 18 months with the band, not least relishing the opportunity to work with Prof David King which was a high point in my career.

The band has been through some difficult times in the past twelve months and I hope that my continued support through those darker moments has been instrumental in their continued success. I hope that they will continue in that vein in the coming year.

However the band is now taking a new musical direction that I unfortunately cannot be part of due to unforeseen work commitments which sees me travelling to and from London for some rehearsalsClaire Taylor

Miss friends

I will miss my many friends within the band with whom I have been part of some pivotal performances this year including the British Open and National Finals. However the band is now taking a new musical direction that I unfortunately cannot be part of due to unforeseen work commitments which sees me travelling to and from London for some rehearsals.

I am currently considering a few projects for the coming months and looking for new challenges ahead with old and new friends and I wish the band all the best for 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    


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd