*
banner

BrassFestUK looks to Neverland for new initiative

Players around the world are being invited to take a trip to Neverland and join the latest BrassFestUK initiative.

Neverland
  Christopher Bond's work was the 2020 Fourth Section Regional test-piece.

BrassFestUK will be looking forward to 2021 with a new initiative for players around the world to enjoy being part of.

Organiser Rob Tompkins is looking to produce his fifth isolation video project, with a variation on the regular theme.

Isolation Test

The 2021 'Isolation Test' will see player perform their parts to Christopher Bond's popular composition 'Neverland', which was used as the set-work at the curtailed 2020 Regional Championships.

Rob told 4BR: "Chris has very kindly agreed to his piece being used. I also wanted to see if there was an appetite for trying to push an isolation project to the next level. I needn't have worried with over 200 players already signed up!"

A great deal of the appeal is that players of different level can be brought together for the virtual performance — from youth and unregistered band players to top section, anywhere in the world.

Registration

Registration is now open via www.brassfestuk.com and closes on the 10th January. The music with click track, instructions and details on the rehearsal and recording process will be emailed out to all registered players by the 17th January.

Rob added: "I hope to complete the project by March 21st, the date that would have been the London & Southern Counties Area contest. I hope the players really push themselves to produce the best recording they can.

I hope the end result will be a recording that everyone can be proud of and gained something from."

I hope the end result will be a recording that everyone can be proud of and gained something fromRob Tompkins

2020 Awards

Rob also revealed the results of the 2020 BrassFestUK Awards, with 21 people nominated for the work done during lockdown to keep bands motivated.

The 2020 Award winner was Gareth Bowman, the Musical Director of Coalburn Silver Band in Scotland. In second place was well known player Andrew Naylor, with Rob himself in third.

"Having 21 bandspeople nominated was fantastic and showed that it was a great opportunity to say thank you to all those that have gone that extra mile to help out their fellow bandspeople keep up spirits both locally and across the globe.

So many of the stories behind the nominations were heart-warming and there are many more who didn't get nominated that we would all like to thank for what they are doing in the most difficult of times."

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    


4br review

4BR Review podcast: Episode 4

May 23 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas look back at the European Championships as well as chatting about plenty of other things — from the Spring Festival to Maurice Murphy...


Whit Friday

New method of calculating prize positions at Whit Friday

May 22 • A median value methodology will be used to calculate the overall prize positions for this year's Saddleworth & Oldham Whit Friday Contests.


Symphony Hall

Europeans to be hosted in Birmingham in 2028

May 22 • Brass Bands England confirm that the 2028 Europeans will not be in London, but in Birmingham


Flowers

Flowers lead musical variety in Gloucester

May 22 • Paul Holland and members of the National Champions provide a great day of musical inspiration on their doorstep.


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Otley Brass Association - Joanne Dexter, Soprano

Saturday 31 May • The Bridge United Reformed Church. Bridge Street. Otley, LS21 1RW LS21 1RW


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Crewe Brass

May 22 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) 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


Rainford Band

May 21 • NW Area Championship Section Rainford Band are now accepting expressions of interest for a Musical Director to take us for all rehearsals, concerts and contests. We rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 19.45 - 21.45 in our own band room in Rainford, St Helens.


Fulham Brass Band

May 21 • Fulham Brass Band is currently looking for a 2nd Trombone, 2nd Euphonium and back row Bb Cornet to complete our friendly, ambitious band under the leadership of Musical Director, Sam Hairsine.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd