*
banner

Death of Susan Elsworth

The death has been announced of Susan Elsworth, aged 63.

Gawthorpe
 

After a short illness, Susan Elsworth passed away on Wednesday the 13th of February at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, aged 6.

Founder

Susan founded Gawthorpe Brass 85 and has provided inspiration for thousands of musicians over the last 23 years.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands.

These groups perform throughout Britain and further afield and through Sue’s energy and vision have given young musicians fantastic musical experiences and very high standards of performance whilst nurturing a life long-passion for music making.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands4BR

Leading light

A typical Gawthorpe week sees hundreds of musicians of all ages and experiences meeting together and this has been due to the “leading light” of the organisation-Susan Elsworth.

Susan also taught piano and music theory to countless students, inspiring and enthusing all who came into contact with her.

Arrangements

She leaves husband John, children Matthew, Rachel and Sarah and grandchildren Bethan, Lily and Joshua.

The funeral will be held on Monday the 25th February at 10am at Holy Trinity Church, Ossett and Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.30 am.

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd