*
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    


BBW

David Childs and Black Dyke Band win BBW CD of the Year awards

December 22 • Outstanding releases from the euphonium virtuoso and the Queensbury band claim the CD of the Year awards from Brass Band World magazine.


Mike Eccles

Eccles returns to Foden's

December 21 • Mike Eccles returns to Foden's Band to take the flugel horn seat.


Brassers

Podcast: Brassers — Episode 35

December 21 • The podcasting duo speak to the Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery.


Friary

Taken and Friary reach last chord in partnership

December 21 • The two and a half year musical partnership between Nigel Taken and Friary Brass will come to an end later this month.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) 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.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player 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.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player 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.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd