*
banner

National test pieces announced

The set works for the Albert Hall and Harrogate have been released by the National organisers Kapitol Promotions.

RAH
 

The set works chosen for the 2010 National Championships of Great Britain have been announced by Kapitol Promotions.

Championship Section:

Martin Ellerby’s 'Terra Australis', written in 2005 through a commission by the Yorkshire Building Society Band for its tour to Australia, has been chosen as the Championship Section work.

Premiered at Sydney Opera House, its first performance in the UK was given by the band, under Professor King, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in 2006.

First Section:

The First Section bands will have to get to grips with George Lloyd’s 'Diversions on a Bass Theme', which was initially commissioned with funds provided by the Bass Brewers for the 1986 Mineworkers’ National Brass Band contest.

It has subsequently been used as a top section set work for the Regional Championships in 1987 and as the British Open set work in 1998.

'Terra Australis' was premiered at Sydney Opera House, whilst its first performance in the UK was given by the band, under Professor King, at the RNCM Festival of Brass in 20064BR

Second Section:

One of Professor Wilby’s most recent works, 'Psalms and Alleluias' will test the bands at the International Conferecen Centre in the Second Section.

The piece was commissioned in 2008 for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain and also selected as the set work for Second Section bands at the 16th World Music Contest in Kerkrade in 2009.

Third Section:

'Willow Pattern' by Philip Harper will be the test awaiting the bands in the Third Section in Harrogate.

The work describes the story behind blue and white designs found on chinaware, which was exported in huge numbers to the UK during the last two centuries.

The work was first performed at the Black Dyke Festival in May 2009.

Fourth Section:

'A Royal Mile Suite' by Alan Fernie is the set work for the Fourth Section.

It was first used as the set work for the Third Section of the Dutch Brass Band Championships in 1997 and again in the Third Section at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship in 2006.

The four parts of this expressive suite reflect the atmosphere and character of Edinburgh's High Street, the Royal Mile. The parts are entitled: At the Palace Gates, Holyrood Park, Jenny Ha's Reel and March: Castrum Dun Edin.

Further inforamtion:

For further information on the test pieces go to:
http://www.kapitol.co.uk/

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • WHIT FRIDAY MORNING - all players welcome.. . Experience Whit Friday morning in the Mossley Whit Walks from 9am on 29 May, with food and drink at the Yorkshire Ward after the march.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd