*
banner

Pick of the bunch

The Orchard of England Brass Quintet recently delighted local audiences — not surprising given their line up of players...

Orchard Brass
 

The Orchard of England Brass Quintet recently delighted audiences in Somerset when they were guests of the Frome Chorale Societies annual Christmas concert.

The concert took place at the Wesley Methodist Church in Frome to a packed and appreciative audience.

Pick of the talent

The inaugural performance by the quintet brought together in it’s ranks five musicians who reside in the north, south, east and west of the country, on trumpets Joanne Sykes from Bruton, Somerset and Brian Heyes, Preston who plays with The Leyland Band, on horn Dave Aston from Reading who plays with Polysteel, on trombone Nick Hudson from Minehead and on tuba Steve Sykes.

Four centuries

The Quintet featured music spanning four centuries and Steve & Nick delighted the audience with solo selections. The quintet along with Ian Ball, Organist from Bristol university accompanied the choral society and audience in carols and festive music most of which was arranged by Steve Sykes.

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    


pRINCIPALS

Principals in place for National Youth Band

August 4 • The principal players have been placed in their leadership roles on the current National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fulham Brass

Fulham look towards York

August 4 • Fulham Band has been working with David Barringer and a host of tutors to prepare them for their York National Final appearance.


Jake Bartlett

Bartlett claims Mortimer Solo Award

August 4 • Tuba player Jake Bartlett has won the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo Competition on this year's National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fowles

Wessex success on emerald anniversary

August 4 • The 55th anniversary Wessex Band Summer School has been hailed as a fantastic week of music making.


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


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


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Crewe Brass

August 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd