*
banner

Busy Harper longs for break

A busy six months of 2009 has led Philip Harper to long for a short break!

Harper
 

It has been another busy and successful six months for conductor Philip Harper.

2009 started with Philip conducting a premiere performance of his 'Kingdom of Dragons' with the Gwent Youth Band, having recorded a CD with the band for release later this year.

Hat trick

February saw the completion of a hat-trick of wins at the Yeovil contest with Flowers — Philip's fifth win in seven years, followed by a podium place with Tongwynlais at the Welsh Open and qualification with the band to the Lower Section National Finals.

After a 'Listen to the Band' recording with Flowers, Philip was the guest conductor of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, performing a memorable concert to a packed out St Michael's Church in Newquay.

It's been a busy time, but extremely rewarding. I'm looking forward to sitting down for five minutes over the summer!Philip Harper

World Premiere

The spring brought another world premiere, this time conducting 'Willow Pattern' with Black Dyke with this first performance now available on YouTube.

Most recently, Philip has again been invited to conduct the Gwent Youth Band, at St. David's Hall Cardiff, before securing another hat-trick of top awards at the Music for Youth Festival in Symphony Hall.

Workshops

Meanwhile, Philip has also been busy with day workshops, visiting Tilbury Band in Essex in preparation for the area contest, Lyme Regis Band in Dorset for a general training workshop and Chard Band in Somerset for a day's intensive rehearsal and informal concert.

All this on top of a busy concert schedule with Tongwynlais Band and adjudication assignments as far afield as Truro and the West Lothian Festival.

Looking forward

Philip told 4BR: "I'm looking forward to the first performance of my 'Constellations' by Black Dyke on its tour of Australia, and I am thrilled that 'A Gallimaufry Suite' has been picked for the Pontin's Contest. It's been a busy time, but extremely rewarding. I'm now looking forward to sitting down for five minutes over the summer!"

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd