*
banner

News

Finding the next generation of brass band composers

Brass Bands England will host the important discussion at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival.

RNCM
  Where do we find the next Harrison Birtwistle?

Thursday, 23 January 2025

        

Brass Bands England will play their part at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival by hosting a discussion forum on Sunday afternoon in the Carole Nash Room (4.45pm).

New composers

The topic for exploration hosted by CEO Kenny Crookston is how we can persuade, encourage and promote a new generation of composers for the brass band medium — writers who can broaden the scope and understanding of our music to existing audiences as well as new ones.

Panel

The panel will consist of Paul Hindmarsh, the former Artistic Director of the RNCM Festival and author of the eagerly awaited biography of composer Wilfred Heaton; Chris Thomas, brass band journalist and 2025/2026 Chairperson of the Leamington Music Festival, which this year celebrates the music of Sir Arthur Bliss, and British Composer Award winner, educator and animateur, Lucy Pankhurst.

Admission to the discussion is free (with ticket), but there are only limited places.

        

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    

Latest News »

Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne

Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.

yOUTH

Brass Bands England unable to offer BOPA service from 2027

September 8 • The Department for Education confirms BBE's National Body of Personal Approval will end in April 2027.

walkers

Poetry, brass and recovery...

September 8 • A wonderful joint venture of poetry, brass band music and wonderful countryside will help people at stages of different personal recoveries.

What's on »

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

Vacancies »

Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..

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.

Pro Cards »

Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor

               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd

Back to top