*
banner

Fernie brings together youngsters As One

Composer Alan Fernie has led youngsters from Scotland and Africa in a tribute to empowerment through music with his new composition.

Fernie
  Alan Fernie is Composer in Residence for the Brass for Africa charity

Young brass players from Africa and Scotland have come together to perform a moving tribute to the empowerment of young people from disadvantaged communities in Liberia, Rwanda and Uganda.

It is hoped that it will help lead youngsters to learn valuable life skills through brass music education, and is being pioneered by Scottish composer Alan Fernie, MD of Loanhead Brass Roots and Newtongrange Junior Band and also the composer in residence for the Brass for Africa charity.

Driving force

He has been the driving force behind a project to bring together young musicians from all three organisations through the virtual performance of his composition 'As One'.

Alan introduces a video presentation before he opens the piece with a duet with a young horn player in Uganda, also called Allan.

To enjoy go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AGQqfnDLAA

Alan told 4BR: "I would like to thank Alice and Natalie Kane for putting the whole video together. They've done an absolutely brilliant job!"

The music for 'As One' will be made available on the Brass for Africa website at: https://www.brassforafrica.org/

He has been the driving force behind a project to bring together young musicians from all three organisations through the virtual performance of his composition 'As One'4BR

Minds

Brass for Africa has also been on the minds of players from Newland Senior and Junior Bands as they just put together a virtual performance of Alan's popular 'African Funk' on their Facebook page.

This is their second online video which has been put together by Keven Anderson, with euphonium player Jennifer Heenan telling 4BR: "Thanks to Keven for his work on this recording and also to Alan Fernie for his permission to perform his music on Facebook."

To enjoy

To enjoy go to: https://www.facebook.com/194600341071/videos/266833261224494/

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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd