*
banner

Cory take flight to help Fourth Section contenders

Philip Harper and his band have produced a workshop video on Andrea Price's 'I Daedalus' to help contenders identify and overcome its challenges in time for their Area performances.

I Daedalus
  Philip Harper and Cory lead a 20 minute workshop video on 'I Daedalus'

Welsh champion Cory and MD Philip Harper has just released a video to help Fourth Section bands in their preparations for the Area test-piece challenge of 'I Daedalus' by Andrea Price.

Plaudits

The colourful work has already gained plaudits from conductor and players who have been enjoying its narrative led sections.

The piece tells the story of the inventor Daedalus and father of Icarus, who after designing the labyrinth for King Minos were imprisoned in a tower.

In their bid to escape they fashioned wings from feathers and wax — only for Icarus to fly to close to the sun and plummet to his death.

Video

In the 20-minute video, now available on YouTube, Philip takes the band through certain sections of the piece, and highlights some areas which he thinks could be useful for fellow conductors to look at closely, pointing out pitfalls and explaining good practice.

Andrea is a composer that knows how to engage players in her music, and the audiences will love itPhilip Harper

Excellent test-piece

Philip told 4BR: "As part of our artistic outlook we thought it would be a great idea to put out a few tips about how to help bands in their preparation on an excellent test-piece.

Andrea is a composer that knows how to engage players in her music, and the audiences will love it. At Cory Band we wish everyone the best of luck at the Regionals."

To enjoy

The video has already had nearly 50,000 views online, but you can now watch it on Cory's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Y_7fH4xmc&t=47s

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.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd