*
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    


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band adds to conductor experience

October 11 • The Italian Brass Band has played its part in giving conductors a very different musical experience.


West Wales BBA

Report & Results: 2026 West Wales BBA Festival

October 11 • Parc & Dare continues its run of prize-winning form as Markham & District, Cwmtawe, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and Llanharan & Bryncae Brass claim the honours in Cefneithin.


Elland

All ages of playing experience showcase excellence in Elland

October 11 • There was a super day of competitive solo, duet and quartet action on show at Elland Silver Band's popular event.


Stephen Cobb

Cobb to lead Kingdom Triumphant workshop

October 11 • Dr Stephen Cobb will lead a workshop on Eric Ball's iconic work — and its open to everyone to be part of for free.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 11 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts and contests all year round.


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd