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Tuesday, 4 November, 2025
New Area Reps
BBCA is delighted to welcome two new Area Reps to the Exec. Brett Baker and Harry Weir are now representing the BBCA in Wales and West of England respectively.
Brett Baker is viewed internationally as a leading brass performer, conductor and educator. In 2025, Brett was appointed to the principal trombone seat of Cory Band. Prior to that, he completed 24 years as principal trombone for Black Dyke Band and in that time guest conducted bands such as Leyland, Grimethorpe Colliery and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. He has been Musical Director of Bands such as Northop Silver, Thoresby Colliery as well as Longridge Band and currently is the MD of Lydbrook Band in Gloucestershire.
Harry Weir is a composer and conductor, based in his native Cornwall. He learnt to play with Porthleven Town Band, before moving to London to study composition and conducting. Upon completion of his studies he returned to Cornwall and was soon invited to take up the post of Musical Director with Pendennis Brass.
Chair James Holt commented that “I am delighted to see our already strong Executive Committee further strengthened. Both Brett and Harry bring fresh ideas to enhance the BBCA’s offering and are already making great progress in promoting all things BBCA”.
Meet the area reps and email bbca@bbe.org.uk to get in touch.
New BBCA Secretary
At the AGM in July John Davis took over the reigns as BBCA Secretary. John has spent 35 years successfully conducting many bands throughout the country. In 1990 John accepted the position of MD with The Riddings Band, and he remained with them for 15 years, guiding them into the Championship section after 10 years. He joined Dronfield Band in January 2009, and made an immediate impact, taking them to the National finals, the first time in the band’s history, where they finished in 2nd place. The band were also promoted from the 4th to the second section in 4 years under John’s guidance.
James Holt, BBCA Chair added that “I would like to sincerely thank outgoing Secretary Rosie Banham for her outstanding work in recent years. Rosie has been an organisational powerhouse, keeping the BBCA running smoothly, and I’m pleased she will continue to contribute in a new role on the Executive. John has hit the ground running and is building on the excellent foundation Rosie established.
I warmly welcome all new Executive members and wish them every success in their roles”.
This is a very exciting time for the BBCA with lots of exciting projects in the pipeline I encourage conductors everywhere to get involved!