*
banner

Blue Mars for Hayes

Cornet star Jim Hayes to premiere new work.

Hayes
 

Cornet star Jim Hayes is to be heard giving the world premiere of a new work from the pen of James McFadyen on 'Listen to the Band' this Friday.

Swan song

Entitled 'Blue Mars', it will mark the swan song performance of Jim with Reg Vardy Band, and takes its inspiration from the scientific theory that Mars was once like a primitive Earth and would have been covered in Oceans and may even have had life on its surface.

It is often said that Mars will once again become ‘blue’ when the Sun begins to die and will warm the red planet up and may even serve as a temporary home for future generations4BR

Red and Blue

It is often said that Mars will once again become ‘blue’ when the Sun begins to die and will warm the red planet up and may even serve as a temporary home for future generations.

Jim told 4BR: "I was looking for a real showstopper and James knew my style of playing and set about composing the sort of solo I'd had in mind for a long time."

"It's a very fine composition and an absolute pleasure to play for both soloist and band."

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    


Wales

Welsh bands prepare for Brangwyn Hall

March 5 • 35 bands will compete to be crowned Welsh Champions in Swansea later this month.


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

March 5 • A broadcast dedicated to works written by female composers to mark International Women's Day on March 8th


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

March 4 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge.


Red Admiral

Red Admiral changes Entertainment date

March 4 • The popular contest day has been changed to the 27th September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd