*
banner

It’s a Dream in 2009 at Butlins

Butlins announce 2009 test pieces — all headed by Harrison's Dream.

Butlins
 

‘Harrison’s Dream’, by Peter Graham will be the set work for the championship section bands that will be competing at the 2009 Butlins Mineworkers Championships.

The work, which was written for the 2000 National Championships of Great Britain, has proved to be popular with performers and listeners alike since Cory’s win that day and it should provide a stern test for the bands.

Well in advance

The announcement of the set works for all the sections of the 2009 contest comes after Butlins listened to the request from competitors that they would like to know well in advance what pieces they would have to work up over the Christmas period – a difficult time for many bands to keep interest in rehearsals four months or so before the regional championships around the country.

It is another move that has been initiated following feedback from bands and listenersContest Controller, Brian Eggleshaw

Feedback

Contest Controller Brian Eggleshaw stated: "It is another move that has been initiated following feedback from bands and listeners."

Available on CD

In another move to make the test pieces available to the bands in plenty of time, a compilation CD of the works will be made available at this weekend’s contest for bands and players to purchase.

Stuart Pullin

Works by Richard Grantham, Rieks van der Velde and Philip Sparke will test the bands in the First, Second and Fourth Sections whilst the composer Stuart Pullin who sadly lost his battle against leukaemia in 2007, is remembered with his composition ‘Haydock Variations’ in the Third Section.

The test piece for all sections are as follows:

Championship:
‘Harrison’s Dream’ – Peter Graham (published by Gramercy Music)

First Section:
‘Hostile Skies’ – Richard Grantham (published by Lake Music)

Second Section:
‘Crusade’ – Rieks van der Velde (published by Lake Music)

Third Section:
‘Haydock Variations’ – Stuart Pullin (published by Gramercy Music)

Fourth Section:
’The Four Noble Truths’ – Philip Sparke (published by Anglo Music)

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd