*
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 »

4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.

Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...

British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.

Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.

What's on »

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

Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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

Vacancies »

Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.

Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,

Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.

Pro Cards »

Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger

               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd

Back to top