*
banner

BrookWright Composer finalists announced

The five finalists in the prestigious competition are revealed — and you can vote for your favourite too.

Brookwright
  The competition attracted over 90 entrants from across the globe

The five finalists for the inaugural BrookWright International Brass Ensemble Composer Competition 2021 (IBECC) have been announced.

Final five

An impressive 92 entries were received from around the world, with judges James Curnow, Dr. Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh having a difficult decision to make in finally selecting a line-up of Alexander Harris (UK); Gregory Fritze (USA); Isaac Smith (USA) Joseph Santo (USA) and Karl Whelan (UK).

The banding public can now vote for their favourite piece by visiting:
www.brookwrightmusic.com/composercontest

After listening to all five entries, click 'like' on the piece you wish to vote for. Voting will close at noon USA Central Standard Time (CST) on Friday 20th August 2021.

The piece with the highest number of 'likes' by this time will be awarded the 'Public Commendation Prize' and a cash prize of $150.

Prizes

The overall winner, decided by our judges, will also be announced after this and will receive $500 cash, a download license to the music playback programme NotePerformer, publication of their work through BrookWright Music, whilst also receiving any associated royalties, and a virtual video and audio recording by an All-star Ensemble comprising some of BrookWright's 'Artists in Association'.

The standard has been exceptionally high and the judges had an incredibly difficult taskAndrew Wainwright

Thrilled

Speaking about the competition, BrookWright's owner Andrew Wainwright told 4BR: "We've been thrilled with the response to the contest and would like to thank everyone who entered and especially our finalists. The standard has been exceptionally high and the judges had an incredibly difficult task."

He added: "We now look forward to receiving everyone's vote for the Public Commendation Prize and add our thanks to thank our competition sponsors — Christopher Bond Music, David Daws Financial Services Ltd., Besson, John Lawes, NotePerformer, room4groups, Stratos and World of Brass."

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    


Fodens

RNCM International Brass Band Festival concerts on wobplay

February 3 • Foden's opening concert of a memorable weekend in Manchester can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay.com media platform — with others to follow.


Eiamjer

Major financial boost to help Eikanger ambitions

February 3 • A substantial three year grant will help support the Siddis champion with its educational, music outreach programmes and ongoing running costs.


Jimmy Leggat

Cross border accolades for Leggat

February 3 • The popular KNDS Fairey bandsman Jimmy Leggat takes a final official bow on a very special weekend of musical celebration with friends.


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd