*
banner

10 year link for Neish

Tuba star enjoys his latest get together with a musical friend of a decade.

Neish
 

Tuba star Les Neish and Enfield Citadel Band conductor Jonathan Corry recently spent a very productive day of sectional rehearsals with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.

Tutelage

Les and Jonathan led individual sectional rehearsals and full brass sectionals where the orchestra members, who range from 17 to 22, gained tutelage and direction in orchestral works such as 'Le Corsaire' and 'Concerto for Orchestra' by Bela Bartok.

It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship beganLes Neish

Decade

Les and Jonathan first met in December 1998 on the Winter course of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (where both served as principals) and have remained close friends and associates since.

This has included Les and Jonathan both studying tuba and trumpet respectively at the RNCM and in their post-graduate year both studied with James Gourlay.

Collaborations

Their collaborations since have included several SA Music schools, masterclasses, concerts, BBC national/local brass quintet recordings and the highly acclaimed recording 'Badinage' featuring Leslie as soloist with Fuoco Brass.

Away from music Jonathan introduced Leslie to his future wife and at present is perfecting his Best Man speech for the big day in 2010!!

Jetting away

Les is soon off to Holland for a solo engagement and the Cayman Islands with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and is looking forward to a forthcoming recording project with his friend and mentor James Gourlay.

Extra special

Jonathan is currently Brass Co-ordinator for the London Borough of Brent and is busy preparing for the New Year with Enfield Citadel Band where an exciting recording project and tour of Norway are planned.

Les told 4BR: "It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship began."

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    


British Open

Spring Festival hotel deals available direct

May 16 • The British Open organisers are working with leading hotels in Birmingham to see them offer 2026 Spring Festival competitors exclusive deals.


bRITISH oPEN

British Open tickets on sale

May 16 • The box office will open at 10.00am on Friday 16th May for tickets for the 171st British Open Championship.


Open test

Study scores now available for Open test-piece

May 16 • If you want to make sure you have a better idea about what will be heard at Symphony Hall you can get your hands on a study score now.


Linz

Linz to welcome Euros in 2026

May 16 • The European Championships will return to Linz in 2026 — with tickets going on sale in October.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Corsham Band

May 17 • We are looking for a MUSICAL DIRECTOR.. Corsham Band is a well-respected ensemble, adopting a hardworking ethic to their music-making. We are a dedicated and friendly team of enthusiastic musicians looking to rebuild and develop the band.


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd