*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd