*
banner

Cornet legend donates his 928 prototype for auction

If you want to get you hands on a unique piece of cornet history — and help the Brass for Africa Charity in the process, then all you have to do is be as generous as Phillip McCann...

Phillip McCann
  Phillip made the presentation to the charity earlier this year at the RNCM Brass Band Festival

Derwent Brass is offering a fantastic opportunity for people to support the Brass for Africa Charity — thanks to the generosity of the legendary cornet player Phillip McCann.

To support the charity's work in Uganda, Phillip has donated a unique prototype Boosey & Hawkes Sovereign cornet, developed and built for him whilst he was principal cornet of Black Dyke Mills Band.

928 prototype

Phillip's input helped to produce the legendary 928 Sovereign 'round stamp' model, and the instrument, still in its 'raw' state, is the physical blueprint from which all others were subsequently produced.

Speaking to 4BR he said that he was delighted that the instrument can be used to support such a wonderful cause — and that he hoped it will still be played on.

"I was delighted to be able to donate the instrument to be auctioned, as the Charity does such wonderful work in Africa in helping youngsters through making music.

The hours of expertise at the famous Edgeware Road factory that ultimately led to the famous 928 was incredible, and you can still tell that when you play the instrument. It may not look it because of its prototype state, but it still sounds amazing."

Ultimate provenance

Phillip presented the cornet to Brass for Africa Brass Ambassador Chris Fower at the 2017 RNCM Brass Band Festival and it is now being auctioned by Derwent Brass for the charity. The cornet bears no serial number or logo but will come with a letter of provenance from Phillip.

In response Chris Fower added: "This is truly an exceptional piece of brass band history and the kind of item that is so rarely available to purchase, often moving directly into a private collection."

The proceeds of the auction sale will be donated by Derwent Brass to Brass for Africa's current fundraising campaign with the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK's biggest online match funding campaign.

Vital funds

Chris added: "We're hoping to raise vital funds for one of our most important projects, The Children of Kampiringisa. The money donated for the purchase of this instrument will be doubled.

Kampiringisa is Uganda's only juvenile rehabilitation facility, with the project undertaking vital work to engage them back into society. It is the government's responsibility to care for and protect these children and they have given their full support for Brass for Africa to assist in improving the quality of life within the Centre."

Brass for Africa provides brass instruments, lessons and brass band training alongside life-skill training and psychosocial support to more than 200 children in the centre each week.

I was delighted to be able to donate the instrument to be auctioned, as the Charity does such wonderful work in Africa in helping youngsters through making musicPhillip McCann

Charity target

This campaign needs to raise £10,265 in order for Brass for Africa to be able to continue this outstanding and successful work.

The response so far has been remarkable, but Phillip's cornet will surely enable the charity to reach its target.

Go to:

Campaign link: https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/projects/view/28484/

eBay link:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122827282566?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649#viTabs_0

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    


Albert hall

Time travellers: The Albert Hall 2006

October 1 • Two decades ago, Besson produced a documentary from the Royal Albert Hall National Final... and some things have certainly changed...


Duncan Beckley

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 1 • The duo pays personal tribute to conductor Duncan Beckley MBE who recently passed away.


Jess Gillam

Independent Society of Musicians appoints new President elect

October 1 • The critically acclaimed saxophonist and broadcaster will be the new president of the Independent Society of Musicians.


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Vaughan Williams arr. Geoffrey Nobes)

October 1 • A new work that adapts a classic composition from the pen of the great English composer Vaughan Williams.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Duchess of Edinburghs String Orchestra

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. W1C 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Staines Brass Band

Saturday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band

October 2 • Wardle Anderson Brass Band is looking for a passionate, inspiring, and committed Musical Director to lead us into our next exciting chapter! We are a Championship Section Band based in Wardle, Lancashire.


Petworth Town Band

October 2 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for Flugelhorn, Cornet and Bass Trombone. We have a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. All new players are made welcome in the band.


Croy Silver Band

October 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.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd