*
banner

National test pieces announced

The set works for the Albert Hall and Harrogate have been released by the National organisers Kapitol Promotions.

RAH
 

The set works chosen for the 2010 National Championships of Great Britain have been announced by Kapitol Promotions.

Championship Section:

Martin Ellerby’s 'Terra Australis', written in 2005 through a commission by the Yorkshire Building Society Band for its tour to Australia, has been chosen as the Championship Section work.

Premiered at Sydney Opera House, its first performance in the UK was given by the band, under Professor King, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in 2006.

First Section:

The First Section bands will have to get to grips with George Lloyd’s 'Diversions on a Bass Theme', which was initially commissioned with funds provided by the Bass Brewers for the 1986 Mineworkers’ National Brass Band contest.

It has subsequently been used as a top section set work for the Regional Championships in 1987 and as the British Open set work in 1998.

'Terra Australis' was premiered at Sydney Opera House, whilst its first performance in the UK was given by the band, under Professor King, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in 20064BR

Second Section:

One of Professor Wilby’s most recent works, 'Psalms and Alleluias' will test the bands at the International Conferecen Centre in the Second Section.

The piece was commissioned in 2008 for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain and also selected as the set work for Second Section bands at the 16th World Music Contest in Kerkrade in 2009.

Third Section:

'Willow Pattern' by Philip Harper will be the test awaiting the bands in the Third Section in Harrogate.

The work describes the story behind blue and white designs found on chinaware, which was exported in huge numbers to the UK during the last two centuries.

The work was first performed at the Black Dyke Festival in May 2009.

Fourth Section:

'A Royal Mile Suite' by Alan Fernie is the set work for the Fourth Section.

It was first used as the set work for the Third Section of the Dutch Brass Band Championships in 1997 and again in the Third Section at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship in 2006.

The four parts of this expressive suite reflect the atmosphere and character of Edinburgh's High Street, the Royal Mile. The parts are entitled: At the Palace Gates, Holyrood Park, Jenny Ha's Reel and March: Castrum Dun Edin.

Further inforamtion:

For further information on the test pieces go to:
http://www.kapitol.co.uk/

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    


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


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


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd