*
banner

The Pennthorpe Buzzers claim BBE prize

A brilliant group from Pennthorpe School in West Sussex have been declared the winners of the BBE/Warwick Music 'Create a Buzz!' competition

pBzz
  The brilliant Pennthorpe pBuzzers were declared the winners of the national competition

The 'Pennthorpe pBuzzers' — a brilliantly talented group of youngsters from Pennthorpe School in West Sussex have been declared the winners of Brass Bands England's 'Create a Buzz!' competition in partnership with Warwick Music Group.

'Create a Buzz!' was designed by BBE and Warwick Music, the creators of the ground breaking pBuzz plastic instrument, to encourage youngsters to play together in start-up music groups.

Fun first step

The brightly coloured pBuzz has been specially designed for little hands and is deliberately aimed at being the fun first step in what will hopefully become a life-long passion for brass instrument playing.

Costing less than £20.00, the pBuzz is an affordable and playful product that can aid a child's sensory and fine motor skills, encourage self-expression, stimulate imagination and creativity, build confidence and nurture their natural music talents.

Schools, Music Education Hubs and youth music organisations applied to the programme and five lucky applicants were shortlisted to take part.

5 minute video

Each finalist received a class-set of free instruments to keep and to work with over a six month period, using the free resources available on the pBuzz website.

They were then asked to submit a 5-minute video of their musical journey, featuring a performance of Jonathan Bates' specially commissioned piece, 'Create a Buzz' — work that immediately become a huge hit with those who played it.

Enthusiasm

Jonathan sat on the judging panel with staff from BBE and Warwick, and told 4BR: "After viewing all of the entries Pennthorpe School were my favourite. I feel the outreach in the community and wide range of performance opportunities, coupled with inventive filming made them stand out."

He added: "It was so refreshing to see such enthusiasm and dedication across all the entries, with such a wide range of different approaches taken and so many young people engaged!"

Prize

The winners will receive a set of 10 pCornets and 10 pBones to support the next step of their musical development, as well as an invite to perform on the main stage at the 2019 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

It's also hoped that the success will provide the first step in creating a school brass band at Pennthorpe, creating a new musical legacy for pupils and the area.

Pennthorpe certainly had some stiff competition from other finalists; The Incredible Plastic Street Band (Oldham & pictured above), Shirley Warren Primary School (Southampton), Trafford Music Service (Trafford) and St Ignatius College (Enfield).

Warwick Music's Development Manager, Darren Lea will be visiting all the finalists in the coming weeks to follow up on the project and congratulate all the children and staff that took part.

It was so refreshing to see such enthusiasm and dedication across all the entries, with such a wide range of different approaches taken and so many young people engaged!Jonathan Bates

Lifelong passion

BBE's Education and Development Co-ordinator, Sophie Anderson told 4BR: "Although I wasn't part of the judging panel I saw all the video submissions and they were all fantastic.

It was wonderful to see all the children getting involved and having such a lot of fun. I hope it will inspire many of them to take up a brass instrument and instil a lifelong passion for music making.

The 'Create a Buzz!' pilot has been absolutely brilliant and BBE hopes to be able to run the programme in partnership with Warwick Music again next year."

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    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd