*
banner

New music Sale a great success

A new musical initiative featuring Sale Brass, the University of Salford, Huw Thomas, James McLeod and plenty of fantastic new works for brass band has been hailed a great success.

Sale Brass
 

Sale Brass recently took part in a 'New Music Workshop'. The project, organised by local composer Dave Collins, brought together a host of brass musicians, conductors, composers and sound engineer students from across the community for a day of music making and socialising.

Apocalyptic Sapphire

The group, including players from Sale Brass and other local bands, were given the opportunity to try out new music, receive tips from industry professionals and make new friends.

The new pieces included the fantastically named 'Apocalyptic Sapphire' by James McFayden, 'I Know Why' from Les Baker and Pete Graham's 'A Gannachy Lullaby'.

The band was put through its paces conductor Huw Thomas alongside Besson Artist James McLeod.

Excellent opportunity

Band Secreatry Rob Greaves told 4BR: "Having James and Huw take part was an excellent opportunity for the musicians to enjoy outstanding tips and tuition from two people at the top of their game.

The day was hard work but really good fun, and it definitely helped improve our playing."

The event culminated in a performance of six pieces of new music recorded by students from the University of Salford.

The event culminated in a performance of six pieces of new music recorded by students from the University of Salford.

Can't wait

Sale's own MD Alan Seymour added: "It was great for the band to get involved in a community project with such high calibre musicians as James and Huw — and we can't wait to feature this new music in our upcoming concerts."

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    


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd