*
banner

2011 4BR Awards — 4BR Special Award - Philip Sparke

In 2011 the 4BR Special Award goes to a musician who has provided the brass band movement with a treasure trove of quite brilliant compositions.

SparkeIt would be difficult think what the brass band world would have been like if Philip Sparke had decided that his compositional talents lay elsewhere.

Thankfully, he didn’t – although he has been just as successful when he has written for all sorts of other musical mediums.

Great works

He has given us a host of truly great major works – and many more just as memorable ‘minor’ ones too – from youth band level to the superstars of world of brass, and his unique ability to be able to write in any style or genre without ever losing his personal stamp of authenticity is remarkable.

His website lists around 200 original compositions and arrangements from brass – from solos and duets to concert repertoire and major test pieces.  It is hard to think of a composer whose work has been performed and enjoyed so much anywhere in the banding world.

Ask any brass band performers to list their favourite concert or contest works and the name of Philip Sparke appears time and time again. 

Outstanding

As a result he has notched up more awards in recognition of his excellence than even Sir Alex Ferguson along the way – all of which have been graciously accepted, whilst he is also an outstanding adjudicator, free minded thinker and opinion maker.

He has done more than any other composer to enhance the quality of contest repertoire than any other in the movement’s history – challenging musical and technical expectations with an unerring ability to push the boundaries for performers with tantalising, realistic ambitions.   

All that, and the audiences the bands perform too are not left feeling isolated or unengaged by the technical prowess that is displayed in the musical process.

For that alone we should remain forever in his debt.



Contest: North of England Regional Championships

Sunday 23 March • 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA


The Hepworth Band - Glossop Band Club

Sunday 23 March • Glossop Band Club, Derby Street, Glossop SK13 8LP


Longridge Band - Longridge Youth Band Concert

Sunday 23 March • St. Lawrence's Church, Chapel Hill, Longridge PR3 2YD


Dobcross Silver Band - Ashton Band

Sunday 23 March • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Friday 28 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Ocean Brass

March 23 • Ocean Brass (2nd section) are seeking a new Musical Director, due to a change in personal circumstances of our previous MD. We rehearse on Thursdays 8-10pm, at Banister Park Bowls Club, Stoneham Lane, Southampton SO50 9HT.


Chinnor Silver

March 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets on a Monday and would welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed rehearsal with coffee and cake.Its just a chance for an extra blow that doesn't affect you affiliation to your existing bands.


Hebden Bridge Brass Band

March 21 • Hebden Bridge Band require the following to complete our line for 2025.. PRINCIPAL CORNET, BACKROW CORNET, TENOR TROMBONE & PERCUSSION. We have an exciting line up planned, including Buxton contest, Whit Friday and local concert series, plus a good local!


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd