*
banner

New student composition competition looks for iconic inspiration

Student composers are being asked to be inspired by the North East of England

Angel
  You can be inspired by some of the iconic figures of the North East...

Durham University Brass Band has announced a new composition competition.

Supported by Durham Music Shop and well known local composer and brass band conductor Steve Robson, the 'Durham & Open Composition Competition' is open to all UK university students and graduates of up to one year.

Criteria

The musical criteria for entry are; for either an original work of around 6 minutes in duration inspired by the North East of England, or a concert march for standard brass band orchestration, aimed at Third Section level.

The competition has two classes; one open to all UK university students and recent graduates, and another open to just Durham University students and recent graduates.

Both offer prizes of £100, plus the chance to get your work published by Modrana Music Publishers and performed by Durham University Brass Band in the upcoming academic year.

We wanted to give composers right at the beginning of their careers a way to get their music out there and played by bandsDurham University Brass Band

Perfect opportunity

The winning entries will be judged by Steve, who told 4BR: "Whether you are a music student, a bandsman, or a musician looking for a new adventure, here is the perfect opportunity, and a unique way to add a further special memory to your years of academia."

Thomas Hicken, conductor of the Durham University Brass Band added: "We wanted to give composers right at the beginning of their careers a way to get their music out there and played by bands. We are really looking forward to performing the winning works!"

More information

For more information on how to enter (closing date 1st September) go to: https://community.dur.ac.uk/brass.band/compositionComp.html

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    


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


testpice

Ellerby and Harper to lead on-line test-piece workshop

February 15 • Composers Martin Ellerby and Philip Harper will take the opportunity to talk about their Championship and Second Section set-works in a special free on-line workshop.


Tine Helseth

Echoes impact for Tine Thing Helseth

February 15 • The latest solo CD from trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth has been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award.


UnIbrass

Results: 2026 UniBrass Championships

February 15 • The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defends the UniBrass Trophy as the University of Nottingham claims a first UniBrass Shield title.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


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


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd