*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Philip Sparke

4BR catches up with the renowned composer after it was announced that he has become an Honorary Member of the American Bandmasters' Association — an accolade given to just three other English musicians in its history.

Philip Sparke
  Philip Sparke continues to plan for the future with his works

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to composer Philip Sparke who has been presented with honorary membership of the American Bandmasters' Association — a prestigious and rare accolade, and one that sees him join a roll of honour that includes the likes of Ottorino Respighi, Percy Grainger, Gustav Holst and Sir Vivian Dunne.

He is only the third English musicians to honoured in such a way and comes at a time when he continues to plan for the future with new works for concert and brass bands, and with the launch of his new website.

To find out more go to: www.philipsparke.com

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    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd