*
banner

Nicholson ends tenure at St Helens

After 20 great years Lynda Nicholson heads north as Mark Bousie gets set to continue legacy of success.

St Helns Youth
 

After over 20 years as an extremely successful MD with the St Helens Youth Brass Band, Lynda Nicholson has decided that she is to move on to pastures new, moving further north with her husband to Scotland.

Conducting

Lynda began teaching in St Helens in 1987 and started conducting the St Helens Music Centre Brass Band in 1988. When the Music Centre closed in 1990, she continued to run the Band, now renamed the St Helens Youth Brass Band.

Because of Lynda’s drive and determination the Band went from strength to strength with the formation of a training band and a beginner’s band.

Success

The bands have enjoyed enormous success under the leadership and attention of Lynda winning the National Youth Brass Band Championships on no fewer that seven occasions, five of which were in the Advanced/Premier section. Several other titles have been won at regional level.

The many plaudits and words of appreciation that the band members have received are all the result of the respect that the members have for the band and in particular Lynda.

It was an extremely sad occasion when Lynda announced that she was moving on, however she is leaving a legacy of a thriving youth brass band organisation, with many happy memoriesSHYBB

Sad occassion

It was an extremely sad occasion when Lynda announced that she was moving on, however she is leaving a legacy of a thriving youth brass band organisation, with many happy memories.

These include of the numerous concerts at prestigious locations, with tours around the UK, Europe, New York, and the 4 CDs culminating in the latest recording just released, aptly named “Zenith” .

End of era

Even though it is the end of an era, St Helens Youth Brass Band are extremely proud and delighted to announce that Mark Bousie has agreed to take up the baton.

Mark Bousie

The members thought long and hard about whom to approach and it was felt that Mark would be the ideal person.

The members are certain that Mark will continue to maintain the excellent tradition and reputation of SHYBB.

Best wishes

Having been a tutor and mentor to the band in the past Mark is no stranger to SHYBB. He will accompany the band on their latest tour to Florence in July where they will perform three concerts.

All the band and committee members, as well as friends, past and present, wish Lynda every success and happiness in her new venture and will remain ever grateful for her contribution, dedication, guidance and friendship.

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    


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Flowers

Media boost for Flowers after Linz triumph

April 29 • The Flowers Band are in media demand after being crowned European Champion — with a television spotlight tonight.


Saggers

Saggers writes for Portsmouth centenary celebration

April 29 • A new symphonic work for orchestra and 300 voices will help celebrate the centenary of Portsmouth's city status.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd