*
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    


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd