*
banner

Composer award for Trentham player

The multi talented James Woolliscroft wins prestigious young composer's award with brass voyage.

Trentham
 

James Woolliscroft, a talented member of Trentham Band, is celebrating his recent win in the Young Composers Competition organised by the City of Birmingham Brass Band.

James is a former pupil of Trentham High School, St Josephs College and is currently teaching mathematics at Endon High School.

CBSO judges

The competition was open to young composers aged 25 and under and two prizes were on offer, judged by Phil Harrison and Alwyn Green from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Elly Tobin, Principal of Joseph Camberlain Sixth Form College, Birmingham.

Voyage to the Horizons of Time

22 year old James won both of the prizes with his composition entitled, ‘Voyage to the Horizons of Time’ – a thematic overture based around an opening motif, exploring and expanding the boundaries of time.

He is an extraordinary and talented young man who I am sure will succeed at a high level in all he undertakesTrentham MD, Mike Caveney

Not surprised

Mike Caveney, MD of Trentham Brass told 4BR: "I’m not surprised really. Both of James’ younger brothers play with Trentham Brass and a few years ago James, who is a clarinettist and pianist, stepped in on percussion to help out at the Area.

Since then he has performed on cornet, horn, baritone, euphonium, Eb and Bb bass and taken up the conductors baton with both confidence and competence. He is an extraordinary and talented young man who I am sure will succeed at a high level in all he undertakes."

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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd