The Isle of Wight’s newest brass band has become the first in the UK to receive a copy of a new work composed by tenor horn legend Gordon Higginbottom, inspired by a small town on the island.

Shanklin Sketchbook

Wight Brass was presented with 'Shanklin Sketchbook' during a recent masterclass given by Gordon while he was holidaying on the island.

The band, formed in November last year, hopes to forge a close relationship with the former Black Dyke and Grimethorpe Colliery tenor horn player and has invited him to become its president.

We are delighted with this news and intend to start work on it straight away. It looks a very exciting and is a very descriptive piece of musicBand President Mary Teague

Frequent visitor

Gordon often visits the island to see his daughter Glynis who plays solo horn with Wight Brass, and was inspired to write the piece while he was staying in the town last year.

Exciting piece

Mary Teague, the band’s resident conductor, told 4BR: "We are delighted with this news and intend to start work on it straight away. It looks a very exciting and is a very descriptive piece of music.

The undoubted success this piece will have means Shanklin and the whole island will enjoy the spotlight. Wight Brass is extremely honoured to receive the first copy."

Three movements

The work comprises three movements: 'La Costa', which depicts the majestic cliffs and impressive sea views, 'Song of the chine', a movement featuring a Sunday evening by the chapel, and 'Carnivals, Parades and Ship wrecks', which was inspired by the town’s carnival, fair and maritime history.

Wight Brass hopes to include an extract from the piece at its next concert at the end of July.