*
banner

City of Brum Composers Competition

City of Birmingham Band launches composer's competition.

City of Birmingam
 

Budding young composers from Birmingham and Solihull are being given the chance to hear their work played by a live brass band, in a newly launched competition.

Young Composer

The City of Birmingham Brass Band (CBBB) has launched its first ever ‘Young Composer of the Year’ competition, inviting composers aged 25 or under who live or study in the Birmingham and Solihull areas, to write an original piece of music for the band.

The finalists will hear their music performed by the band at a live X-Factor-style final later this year, to be held at the Joseph Chamberlain Six Form College, in Highgate.

Panel of judges

A panel of judges as well as the audience will decide the outcome with prizes awarded by both. All finalists will also receive a live recording of their music.

Update image

Liz Monk, Chair of the CBBB, told 4BR: "We wanted to update the traditional image of a brass band, become more involved with our local community, attract new audiences and help to promote up-and-coming musicians within the region."

She added: "We thought our the competition was a great way to do all these things and we're really looking forward to meeting, working with and performing for lots of new people. It’s a very exciting time for us."

The competition is open to new and up-and-coming composers, who are invited to write an original piece of music for a brass band, up to a maximum length of ten minutes4BR

Details

The competition is open to new and up-and-coming composers, who are invited to write an original piece of music for a brass band, up to a maximum length of ten minutes.

"Here's a fantastic opportunity for young composers to work first hand with the musicians, understand an instrument and the player's capabilities and let their piece evolve," explained Liz.

Register

Entrants are asked to register their interest by the 31st May, by emailing Birminghambrass@yahoo.co.uk, or by calling Liz Monk on 07717 725 471.

Further details of the competition and the rules can be found on the band's website, www.birminghambrass.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    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • A tenor trombone position has become vacant following the relocation of the previous player.


Alder Valley Brass

October 6 • Seeking a Bb Bass player to join our friendly ambitious second section band under the direction of new MD Oliver Halstead - Brooks. Featuring a good variety of concerts and contests. . We rehearse each Monday and Thursday 8pm to 10pm in Farnham Surrey


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd