Otis began playing the cornet in Year 5 and quickly found his musical home with the Melton Training Band under the guidance of Helen Ruddle. Her encouragement, alongside the support of his teacher Zoli Vincze, has been instrumental in his development and continues to inspire him today.

Speaking about his appointment, Otis said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have accepted the position of Principal Cornet with the Kibworth Band. I am really looking forward to working together with our fab MD Brendan Caddy and the wonderful musicians of Kibworth band. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone in the band, who have always been wonderfully supportive and loads of fun to play with. I look forward to some great performances for both concerts and contests, and making some great new memories together – both in and out of the band room.”

Since those early days, Otis has become a familiar face across Leicestershire’s music scene. He has performed with Uppingham Jazz and Soul Band, Leicestershire Music Big Band, JCC Big Band, Youth Brass 2000 and Bardi Wind Orchestra. His orchestral experience includes appearances with the Bardi Orchestra, Trent Orchestra and Stamford Chamber Orchestra. He is equally at home in popular and commercial music, having played with The Leicester Funk Ensemble and Direct Injection, and recorded flugelhorn and trumpet parts on professional pop and rock tracks. Otis proudly plays Mercer and Barker mouthpieces and represents the company as one of their Young Ambassadors.

Brendan Caddy, Musical Director, added: “Otis represents the very best of the youth coming through our banding community. His musicianship, work ethic and enthusiasm are exactly what we want to encourage and celebrate. I am proud to welcome him to the front row and proud of the young players who continue to move our band forward.”

Away from music, Otis enjoys competitive target shooting with his Grandad as part of the Leicester and District Smallbore Rifle and Pistol Club.

We look forward to the energy, commitment and musical leadership Otis will bring to the Principal Cornet seat as the band continues its work across the community and prepares for an exciting season ahead.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who gave so much for our freedom. As the notes of the Last Post echo across Kibworth, we remember not only the fallen, but also those who continue to serve.

The Kibworth Band is proud to stand alongside our community in reflection and gratitude.

We will remember them.

Kibworth Band (South Leicestershire) is seeking:

• Cornet Player (position negotiable)
• BBb bass player

As we prepare to compete in the Championship Section from January 2026, we’re looking to strengthen our team with committed and capable musicians who share our passion for quality music-making and community spirit.

Location & Rehearsals
Based in the village of Kibworth, we rehearse:
Mondays & Thursdays, 8–10pm
Under the baton of Brendan Caddy

We offer a sensible balance of concerts and contests, and pride ourselves on being a welcoming, forward-thinking band with strong local roots.

Interested?
All enquiries will be treated with strict confidence.
Contact Band Manager Mark Smith:
kibworth.band@gmail.com
07963 466 380

Come and be part of our exciting journey — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident and musically driven individual to:

• Lead and help develop a strong cornet section
• Contribute to a band with a healthy balance of concerts and contests
• Be part of our journey as we prepare to compete in the Championship Section from January 2026

About the Band
Kibworth Band is based in the picturesque village of Kibworth, South Leicestershire, and rehearses:

• Monday & Thursday evenings
• 8:00pm – 10:00pm
• Under the baton of Brendan Caddy

We pride ourselves on being a friendly, ambitious, and community-focused band with a rich musical heritage and a forward-looking approach.

Interested?
All enquiries will be treated with strict confidence.
Please contact our Band Manager, Mark Smith, at:
kibworth.band@gmail.com
07963 466 380

Come and be part of something special – we’d love to hear from you.

Ciaran’s last official engagement with the band will be at our proms concert on Saturday 13th September. More details at www.kibworthband.co.uk/proms.

We wish Ciaran every success in this exciting new chapter. We’ll miss his playing and presence, but we’re sure this isn’t goodbye — just a “see you soon” at future concerts when he’s back home.

Welcome to Chris Sheldon – Principal Euphonium

We’re delighted to officially welcome Chris Sheldon to the band as our new Principal Euphonium. Chris brings a rich musical background, rooted in the Salvation Army tradition, and more recently served as principal euphonium with Rushden Town Band and London City Brass.

Having recently relocated to Leicestershire, Chris has already joined us for several concerts and will soon take up his role officially. We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the musical depth and warmth he brings to the section.

On a personal note, Chris has also just celebrated the arrival of his first child — congratulations from all of us!

Could You Be Our Next Principal Cornet?

With Ciaran’s departure, we are now on the lookout for a new and enthusiastic Principal Cornet player to step into his shoes. If you’re a confident, committed musician looking to join a friendly and ambitious band, we’d love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a strong cornet section and be part of a band that values musical excellence and community spirit.

Thank you to our supporters for being part of our journey. These transitions remind us of the strength and continuity of our banding community — rooted in tradition, always growing, and full of heart.

Evie was not only a gifted musician but also the beloved partner of Brendan Caddy, the band’s Musical Director. Their shared passion for music created a bond that resonated beyond the rehearsal room, shaping the band’s spirit and camaraderie.

Tributes have poured in from those who knew Evie, describing her as a kind-hearted, vibrant soul who touched the lives of many. Her laughter, energy, and dedication to music will be remembered by all who had the privilege of playing alongside her.

Our thoughts go out to Evie’s parents, grandparents, and brother, who have all been firm supporters of the band over the years, as well as to Brendan, who has lost not only a friend but his beloved partner. Their strength during this difficult time is met with the deep sympathies of the entire brass band community.

As the band and community come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, they honor Evie’s memory by celebrating the joy she brought through her music. Her legacy will live on in the melodies she played and the hearts she touched.

Evie’s funeral is on Tuesday 24^th June, 10:15am at the Heart of England Crematorium, Nuneaton.

An online tribute page where people can share memories, light candles and contribute messages has been created.

Tribute to Evelin Jane Dunger, 4 September 1996 – 22 May 2025

Tribute to Evelin Jane Dunger, 4 September 1996 – 22 May 2025

In Memory of Evelin Jane Dunger. who sadly passed away on the 22nd of May 2025

evelinjanedunger.muchloved.com

• Cornet Player – Position negotiable
• Bass Player – Either Eb or Bb

Under the baton of our dedicated musical director, Brendan Caddy, the Kibworth Band has achieved remarkable results in recent years. These results have secured our promotion to the Championship Section for 2026 and we are seeking individuals who can help us continue to progress and develop as we embrace this exciting challenge.

We rehearse every Monday and Thursday evening in our purpose-built band room, located in the beautiful south of Leicestershire.

If you’re ready to be part of our journey and make your mark in a supportive and ambitious band, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our Band Manager, Mark Smith, at 07963466380 or kibworth.band@gmail.com. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Kaye has been an outstanding musician and a cornerstone of the band, playing a pivotal role in our promotion to the championship section. Her skill, dedication, and versatility have been evident throughout her time with us. She originally took up the repiano cornet seat and demonstrated incredible adaptability by stepping in on the end chair for the 2024 Area Contest. This was during a challenging time when our principal cornet suffered a stroke just a week prior to the competition. Kaye’s performance in this role exemplified her unwavering commitment and ability to rise to any occasion.

While the band will deeply feel Kaye’s absence, we are immensely grateful for her contributions and wish her the very best in all her future endeavors. We hope this isn’t a goodbye but rather a “see you soon” as we know Kaye’s heart will always remain close to the band.

Thank you, Kaye, for your music, your friendship, and your invaluable role in our journey. Kibworth Band’s doors will always be open to you.

The band are keen to hear from any versatile cornet players who may be able to fill Kaye’s position. Please contact our band manager Mark Smith if you are interested in the position 07963466380 or kibworth.band@gmail.com. All enquiries will be treated with the strictest confidence.

The Kibworth Band proudly announces its promotion to the prestigious top flight Championship Section from 2026, following a commendable performance at the Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships held in Bedworth over the weekend.

Despite narrowly missing out on bringing home any silverware this time, with a 5th place finish, Kibworth Band secured its place at the top of the table, finishing two points clear of the competition. This achievement underscores the hard work, dedication, and exceptional musical talent of our band members.

We are thrilled to share this promotion with Thoresby Band, who also earned their place in the Championship Section for 2026. Their exceptional performance and dedication have been truly inspiring.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to GUS, Foss Dyke, Ibstock, and Syston Bands for their well-deserved victories in their respective sections. Their performances were truly inspiring, and we commend them on their success.

As the contest season continues, we would like to wish the best of luck to all bands in the Second Section who are preparing for their contest next week. In particular, we send our warmest wishes to local bands Harborough, Hathern, and Leicestershire Co-Op. We look forward to their performances and hope to see them achieve great results.

Thank you to all our supporters, friends, and family for your continued encouragement. We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without you. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the Championship Section.

Kibworth Band is thrilled to announce the addition of two talented musicians to our ensemble. We warmly welcome Alasdair, who joins us as our new 2nd horn player, and Lauren Copple, who will be sharing the second trombone seat with Erin Tripp.

Alasdair began his musical journey at the age of 7, learning under the guidance of our principal trombone player, Sam Haigh. His dedication and passion for brass playing led him to continue his studies with Chris Jeans after a school move. Alasdair has gained valuable experience performing with Youth Brass 2000, with his favorite performance being an unforgettable tour to Lithuania. Besides his musical talents, Alasdair is also an enthusiastic miniature modelist, particularly with Warhammer.

Lauren Copple started her musical education with Sam Haigh and progressed through our youth band. She pursued her love for music at the University of Birmingham, where she studied music and completed her PGCE. Having recently moved back to the area, Lauren has begun her first posting as a primary school teacher in Oadby. We are excited to have Lauren back with us and look forward to her contributions to the band.

We are delighted to welcome both Alasdair and Lauren to the Kibworth Band family. Their unique skills and backgrounds will undoubtedly enhance our musical performances and bring fresh energy to our ensemble.