*
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    


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Fodens

Jeffers takes horn lead at Foden's

June 11 • Grace Jeffers makes the solo horn seat her own at the North West champion.


Cory

Cory add Hutcherson experience to cornet section

June 11 • The experienced Jeff Hutcherson has joined the Welsh champion from BTM Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with a vacancy for a front row cornet player. Our diary is filling up with various engagements and contests for the year, so we are keen to fill the position.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd