*
banner

Sparke work to increase brass band sphere of influence

Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' is to be performed by Brass Band of Battle Creek at the opening of the influential Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

Solar System
  Philip Sparke's iconic work will be performed at the Midwest clinic

One of the iconic brass band works by composer Philip Sparke is to be featured in the opening concert of 2017 Midwest Clinic in Chicago this month.

Brass Band of Battle Creek will perform excerpts from 'Music of the Spheres' to open the international band and orchestra conference on 20th December, an event that attracts in excess of 15,000 visitors each year from all corners of the musical world.

World premiere

Under the direction of MD, Michael J Garasi, the band will present a concert programme which will also include the world premiere of Philip's brand new 'Midwest Fanfare' written for the event, as well as music from Dizzy Gillespie, Igor Stravinsky, Henry Filmore and Karl Jenkins.

It's quite a coup for both Battle Creek as it's a huge conference with an audience almost entirely made up of composers, band directors and players from all parts of the globePhilip Sparke

Quite a coup

Philip told 4BR: "I've been attending this conference for over 30 years and this is only the third time in that period that a brass band has been invited.

It's quite a coup for both Battle Creek as it's a huge conference with an audience almost entirely made up of composers, band directors and players from all parts of the globe.

It's rare for a band to be accepted to play there and this will be a great opportunity for them to further promote brass band music to an international audience."

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    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd