*
banner

Brookwright Music launches new small ensemble composition competition

The critically acclaimed publisher launches a new competition to boost the repertoire for small brass ensembles.

Brookwright
  The competition aims to add to the repertoire for smaller ensembles

BrookWright Music has announced the launch of its inaugural International Brass Ensemble Composer Competition.

It follows the success of last year's composition competition, with BrookWright now offering the same exiting publishing opportunities for works for small brass ensemble.

Success

Speaking about the competition, founder Andrew Wainwright told 4BR: "We're delighted to be launching this competition following the success of last year's competition, which resulted in a combined total of nearly 10,000 views for the five finalists' videos.

With small ensembles likely to provide an ideal rehearsal and performance outlet in the future, we are looking to champion new music for chamber groups.

Innovative

He added: "The last year has been particularly difficult for composers who haven't had the opportunity to have their music performed, so we hope this initiative will help showcase their music in an innovative way.

We very much look forward to seeing what everyone come up with!"

Prizes

The overall winner will receive $500 US in cash, a download license to the music playback programme NotePerformer, publication of their work through BrookWright Music with associated royalties, and a virtual video and audio recording by an All-star Ensemble comprising some of BrookWright's renowned 'Artists in Association'.

The five finalists will also have 'follow-the-score' videos of their pieces produced using NotePerformer and shared at www.brookwrightmusic.com YouTube and various social media platforms.

In addition, a 'Public Commendation Prize' will be awarded to the finalist with the most 'likes' at www.brookwrightmusic.com whilst winning $150 US in cash.

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

Judges & Criteria

The competition will be judged by an esteemed panel of experts — James Curnow, Dr Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh.

Composers are invited to submit a brass ensemble 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.

Instrumentation is flexible, but should include any combination of the following: Cornet/Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Baritone, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba

It should be scored for between 4 and 6 players.

An optional Percussion part for a single player may be included.

There are no restrictions on the style of the music.

Further information:

The closing date for entries is Friday 23rd July at 11.59pm Central Standard Time (CST).

To enter go to: www.brookwrightmusic.com/about-3

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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd