*
banner

Fly me to the Moon...

Drew Fennell's exciting composition inspired by the epic journey of Apollo 11 has been published by Cantatio Music.

Buzz Aldrin
  The music is inspired by the iconic journey to the Moon by Apollo 11

Cantatio Publishing has announced that they are to publish a fantastic new work from the pen of composer Drew Fennell.

'Apollo 11' is inspired by the iconic journey taken by the American astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins in July 1969 to become the first men to step foot on the Moon.

Spirit and drama

The work was performed to critical acclaim at the 2017 RNCM Brass Band Festival by James Gourlay and the RNCM Brass Band, with Jim saying at the time: "Drew's composition is an exciting work, suitable for bands in the Second Section upwards, and which perfectly captures the spirit and drama of the 1969 Moon landing.

It's melodic and descriptive, which makes it ideal for concert use and the inclusion of short recordings of the voices of President Kennedy and Neil Armstrong to be played before and during the piece, really enhances the audience experience."

Passion

On being able to publish the work, Mark Quinn of Cantatio told 4BR: "Making exciting original works and new high quality arrangements is a passion for us at Cantatio. Adding this amazing work by Drew to our portfolio is a major coup and we look forward to working with him on future projects."

Drew Fennell has been a member of the River City Brass Band in the USA since 1998.

A 1994 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he studied with Anthony Pasquarelli, and after receiving his degree he served as principal trumpet with the Butler, Altoona and Youngstown Symphonies, as well as playing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Drew's composition is an exciting work, suitable for bands in the Second Section upwards, and which perfectly captures the spirit and drama of the 1969 Moon landingJames Gourlay

Fine reputation

He has secured a fine reputation as a composer and arranger and has completed well over 100 projects for the River City Brass, a dozen of which appear on various RCB recordings.

He also created arrangements for numerous other groups, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale.

Find out more


https://www.4barsrest.shop/product/apollo-11-composed-drew-fennell/

www.cantatiopublishing.com

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

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


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


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • 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


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd