*
banner

New International Composer Competition launched

A new competition inspired by Andrew Wainwright is looking to showcase works for the brass band medium in an innovative way.

Wainwright
  The competition is looking for works of up to 5 minutes in duration

The respected composer Andrew Wainwright has launched the 'International Brass Band Composer Competition' (IBBCC) which he hopes will offer composers and arrangers the chance to have their music showcased in an innovative way.

The overall winner will not only receive £100 in cash (sponsored by Besson), but will also have a license to the music playback programme NotePerformer which enhances the sound of scores. The work will be published through a new company launched by Andrew called BrookWright Music, whilst also receiving any associated royalties.

Opportunity

Speaking about the project Andrew told 4BR: "The lockdown has been a particularly difficult time for composers and arrangers, who have lost out on the opportunity to have their music performed.

I know as a composer myself that it has been hard to find motivation when you don't know when your music will be performed again, so it's my hope that this initiative will give composers the chance to work towards something and receive some publicity for their work."

Five finalists

Five finalists will have 'follow-the-score' videos of their pieces produced using NotePerformer and shared on YouTube and across various social media platforms. In addition, a 'Public Commendation Prize' will be awarded to the finalist with the most 'likes' on YouTube, while receiving a £100 gift voucher towards a Geneva instrument.

The competition will be judged by the respected trio of experts; James Curnow, Dr Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh.

5 minutes duration

Composers are invited to submit a brass band composition/arrangement or multiple compositions/arrangements of no more than 5 minutes' duration.

Submissions should not already be published, but they do not necessarily need to be newly composed or arranged works. There are no restrictions on the style of the music.

Composers are invited to submit a brass band composition/arrangement or multiple compositions/arrangements of no more than 5 minutes duration4BR

Published

Andrew added: "The winning piece will also be published by BrookWright Music, which will be publishing high-quality brass band and wind band music by a range of well-known and highly respected composers.

The website, which is currently in development, will offer customers the chance to download PDFs immediately and peruse 'follow-the-score' videos of each item."

More information:

The closing date for entries is Friday 28th August.

For details of how to enter, please visit https://www.awainwrightmusic.com/composition-competition

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    


Flowers

Result: 2026 European Championship Championship Section

April 25 • History is made as Flowers Band are crowned Champions of Europe on their contest debut.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Championships Challenge Section

April 25 • Brass Band Wipptal claims the honours and takes the title back to Italy.


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd