*
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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd