*
banner

New spirit of isolation looks for community support

A new initiative from the organiser's of BrassFest UK looks to bring players together in communal musical isolation.

BrassFest
  The new initiative hopes to bring players together

A new initiative is being launched entitled 'The Spirit of Brass — Isolation Massed Band' by the people behind the highly successful BrassFest UK.

Led by well known bandsman Rob Tompkins and with help from Pennine Music and Cory Band, it's hoped to attract players who want to be part of a team isolation video of their own.

The Spirit of Brass

Thanks to Pennine Music, the piece to be performed will be the 2017 BrassFestUK anthem composed by Gavin Somerset entitled, 'The Spirit of Brass', with a recording to practice along to courtesy of the world's number 1 ranked band.

'The Spirit of Brass' has been written at two different levels also help participants: The first is for Fourth Section standard ensembles and above, with a simplified version for players more comfortable with an easier part.

Be a part

Rob told 4BR: "I want to stretch out a hand to those that are at home and really want to be part of something like this but don't have the confidence to put their names forward and record themselves.

I'm happy to include just sound, so no video or picture will appear in the video, or to include someone playing part of the piece if they can't manage it all.

It's all about participating in whatever way you can."

I want to stretch out a hand to those that are at home and really want to be part of something like this but don't have the confidence to put their names forward and record themselvesRob Tompkins

Further information

If you want to be a part, go to: https://www.brassfestuk.com/isolation-entries and fill in the form with your details. There is also a field for you to enter a message if you wish to do so.

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    


NYBBGB

Tynan becomes NYBBGB Young Conductor winner

January 17 • The Black Dyke Band solo Eb tuba player shines his light to claim the title honours with the baton in Tidworth.


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd