*
banner

Parsons musical tribute to great-grandfather

A new work written by Emmy Award winning composer Bruce Broughton has just been premiered by euphonium player Micah Parsons and brought to life in an evocative multimedia production.

Micah
  The work forms part of an innovative multimedia production

Euphonium player Micah Parsons has brought an evocative chapter of his family history to life with a new commission which he recently premiered through a multimedia project.

Life and death

'11th March 1917' written by Emmy award winning composer Bruce Broughton tells the story of the day in which Micah's great-grandfather Henry Nichols lost his life alongside his great friend Arthur Cresswell at Biaches, on the Somme, during the First World War.

Henry Nicholas served with the 1/6th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment from July 1916 but was also a cornet player in the Coventry City Salvation Army Band.

Micah was keen to ensure the memory of Henry and Arthur was not lost as time passed and linked up with the American composer as well as pianist Sue Avison and videographer Steven Davies and artist Christa Hook to bring the story to life.

He was also able to team up with members of the Staffordshire Regimental Museum and Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Living History Society who took part in the filming of the video production.

Privilege

Micah told 4BR: "I have a picture of my great grandfather at home holding his cornet which remains a prized family possession.

I researched his life and war time service and feel privileged that I could undertake this project to honour him and so many other comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The contributions of everyone involved have made this very special to our family, and I hope to others who will be connected to the First World War through their family ties."

The contributions of everyone involved have made this very special to our family, and I hope to others who will be connected to the First World War through their family tiesMicah Parsons

To enjoy

Micah also revealed that further exciting developments have already arisen through the commission which he hopes to announce in the near future.

To enjoy the production, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbOxoKTRcSc

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    


BBO

Result: 2025 Austrian National Championship

October 20 • Brass Band Oberosterreich makes it four wins in a row as they secure the Austrian title in Innsbruck and their place at the European Championships in Montreux in 2027.


3BA Concert Brass

Results: 2025 German Open

October 20 • 3BA Concert Brass makes it a hat-trick of entertainment victories at the German Open as Woodshockers Brass and Brass Band Hombeek claim the section honours.


First Old Boys

Results: 2025 NIBA Championship

October 20 • 1st Old Boys Silver retain their title and claim the Euro honours with section victories for CWA and Dungannon Silver.


Brass in Concert

Just 10 and counting for Brass in Concert

October 18 • There are now just 10 tickets left before the sold-out signs are posted for the Brass in Concert Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd