*
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    


Childs

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Prof Nicholas Childs

January 22 • We find out more about the programme of music from this world and beyond to be featured on Saturday evening at the RNCM from the Queensbury band and Galactico soloists.


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


HYDE BAND

January 22 • WE HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES (POSITIONS NEGOTIABLE) Come and join our friendly First Section Band based in the New forest, and enjoy working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contest.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd