*
banner

A celebration of diverse composer talent...

We talk to Dr Robert Childs about a concert celebrating the rich diversity of compositional talent that the RWCM&D Brass Band will be exploring under his baton this week.

Still
  The concert will feature a new arrangement of a work by William Grant Still

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

We talk to Dr Robert Childs about a concert celebrating the rich diversity of repertoire that the RWCM&D Brass Band will be exploring under his baton — from Thea Musgrave to Errollyn Wallen and including a new arrangement he has made of a remarkable work by the black American composer William Grant Still.

Time and place

It takes place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Wednesday 10th November (7.30pm) and is open to the general public to enjoy.

It will feature rarely heard works from Thea Musgrave (her 'Variations' from 1956), Errollyn Wallen ('Chrome'), Lucy Pankhurst ('Wired') and Hilary Tan ('All the Moon Long') as well as from William Mathias ('Fanfare' from 'Vivat Regina'); Arthur Bliss ('Kenilworth') and Malcolm Arnold ('Padstow Lifeboat').

It takes place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Wednesday 10th November (7.30pm) and is open to the general public to enjoy4BR

In Memoriam

The concert will also feature a new arrangement made by Dr Childs of 'In Memoriam' — written by African-American composer William Grant Still (1895-1978) (above), which was subtitled; "For the Afro-American Soldiers Who Died for Democracy."

Dr Childs talks about the concert and some of the pieces to be featured.

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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 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.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd