*
banner

New theme for Brass Factor

The innovative Brass Factor competition will have a new theme tune this year thanks to composer Dave Collins...

Dave Collins
 

The Brass Factor contest founder, Alex Bray, has enlisted the help of composer Dave Collins to come up with a unique theme track for this year’s competition.

Short piece

Dave (above) who has worked extensively on the innovative ElectroHorn Project, has been commissioned to write a short piece that will be used to promote the event and will be collaborating with Hebden Bridge Band to record the music.

Brass Factor has been wowing crowds at Holmfirth’s Picturedrome since 2010, where it began as a university project. Since then, the contest has gone from strength to strength, attracting celebrity judges to enjoy the unique brass band entertainment.

Brand identity

After the success of last year’s competition, the competition has moved to the much bigger Engine Shed in Wetherby.

Speaking on the link up, Alex Bray told 4BR: "After Brass Factor 2013 we decided to create an even stronger brand identity and have our own theme tune.

Dave's creative flair and enthusiasm is what Brass factor is all about and it has been a pleasure working closely with him. I hope the audience is very much looking forward to the most exciting thing to happen to Brass Factor yet."

After Brass Factor 2013 we decided to create an even stronger brand identity and have our own theme tuneBrass Factor, Alex Bray

Excited

Dave added: "I’m very excited to be involved with a contest that encourages bands to be innovative. The project has allowed me to work with a number of fantastic groups including Hebden Bridge Band and Voltalab Sound Studios."

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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Soprano Cornet player.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd