*
banner

River City looking for big finisher from composers

The leading American brass band has launched a brand new Composer Competition to round off its 40th season celebrations with a big finisher.

River City
  The band hopes to attract entries from across the world

River City Brass from Pittsburgh in the USA has announced that it will complete its 40th anniversary season with an important investment in its future.

The inaugural River City Brass Composers Competition represents the opportunity for composers of all backgrounds, from around the world, to write music for a band that attracts a remarkable concert going audience.

The competition will be judged by Artistic/Music Director James Gourlay, Dr. Peter Graham, Dr. Martin Ellerby, and RCB personnel Drew Fennell and Abigail Langhorst.

Four finalists

The four selected finalists will each receive a $1,000 award. Each will have their works given world premieres in either the band's high profile 'Brass to the Future' or 'Resilience' concert programmes in April and May 2022.

The winner will be chosen by the audience and band members and will receive an additional $1,000.

The works should be between 3 and 10 minutes in duration and aimed at being suitable for a 'big finish' for a concertRiver City Brass

Worldwide call

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are sending out a worldwide call for entries and will be giving regular updates. The works should be between 3 and 10 minutes in duration and aimed at being suitable for a 'big finish' for a concert."

Further details can be found at: http://www.rivercitybrass.org/composers-competition

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    


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 38

September 5 • The North Wales banding boys are back with more chat.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd