*
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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Chinnor Silver

October 18 • Being the top band at the recent Oxford Entertainment Contest does not stop us looking for improvement. We need an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to help keep this friendly 1st Section band moving forward. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays . Trip to Belgium in 2027


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd