*
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    


Civic Hall

Result: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships Second Section

March 15 • Harborough Band claims the last Midlands title on offer for this year as they are joined in York by Leicestershire Co-op.


markham

Results: 2026 Welsh Regional Championships

March 14 • Cory reclaims the Welsh title as Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen claim section honours.


Pendennis

Results: 2026 West of England Regional Championships

March 14 • Flowers reclaim Area title with section wins for Lympstone, Lanner & District, St Pinnock and Pendennis Brass in Torquay


Shine

Ready to shine? NYBBGB offer audition skills workshops

March 14 • There are a trio of FREE audition skills workshops on offer from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to help young player's skills sets.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester.. . . Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a BBb BASS player.. . . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a welcoming 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd