*
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    


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


IBBSS

IBBSS Gala Concert to round off Swansea week

June 30 • There will be a Gala Concert packed with performers and stars to enjoy in Swansea at the end of July to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School course.


a4

A4 Brass Quartet ready for busy tour season

June 30 • The critically acclaimed brass quartet can be enjoyed in concert at various compass points throughout the next few months.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

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


Marconi Brass

June 30 • We are a friendly, ambitious Second Section band in Rochester, aiming for promotion to the First Section under MD Jonathan Crowhurst. We have a busy concert calendar across Kent and are seeking a BBb Bass and two Cornet players (positions negotiable).


Cambrian Brass

June 29 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

June 29 • PERCUSSIONIST: DRUM KIT - Nottinghamshire based 1st section band. We are a youthful, welcoming band and would love to hear from you. We rehearse Thursday evenings and have a well balanced schedule of concerts and competitions.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd