*
banner

Project Neverland makes mammoth progress

Over 400 people sign up to be part of the latest BrassFestUK project

Neverland
  'Project Neverland' will be a communal isolation video performance of Christopher Bond's award winning 'Neverland' test-piece

Rob Tompkins, the inspiration behind the annual BrassFestUK projects has told 4BR that work has already started on the latest "mammoth project".

Once the dust had settled on the popular BrassFestUK Christmas Concert, Rob set to work on his next adventure — helping encourage players to get back practicing and performing on a regular basis with an ambitious goal to achieve on the horizon.

Project Neverland

'Project Neverland' will be a communal isolation video performance of Christopher Bond's award winning 'Neverland' test-piece composition.

The work was originally commissioned for the 2020 Fourth Section Regional Championships and proved to be a huge hit with it combination of clever orchestration, melodic flow and exciting rhythmic structures. It went on to become the 4Barsrest 'Test Piece of the Year'.

Understandably the response to be part of the performance has been brilliant, with over 400 players from across the world signing up by the closing date of 10th January, with each player receiving a copy of their own part with kind permission from Christopher Bond and also a copy of the Regionals CD recording by Cory Band with kind permission of World of Brass.

Mammoth task

It now leaves Rob with that 'mammoth' task of fitting everything together — although it is something he is really looking forward to.

"I am looking forward to it,"he said. "Each player is being encouraged to get back into a practice regime and to start looking at their part to the wonderful piece while they listen to the recording.

There are a huge amount of challenges getting the very best end result and I'm not looking to complete the project before the end of March. Every player is receiving a breakdown of the piece and being invited to ask questions as they work through their part.

I don't want this to be just another isolation video: I really want every player to come away from this project with a sense of achievement and pride."

I don't want this to be just another isolation video: I really want every player to come away from this project with a sense of achievement and prideRob Tompkins

Online sectionals

Rob added: "I've contacted a number of top players from Black Dyke, Cory, Foden's and Tredegar who have agreed to be part of an online sectionals 'Q&A' session.

The composer has also kindly agreed to an online 'Q&A' session where the participating players will hear the story of the piece and will have chance to ask questions about it."

Find out more

To find out more go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/410716660197407/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%7D

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    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd