*
banner

McGhee writes for Derwent celebration

Composer Paul McGhee is putting the finishing touches to his new commission for the 20th anniversary celebrations of Derwent Brass.

Paul McGhee
 

Composer Paul McGhee has been hard at work over the Christmas period putting the finishing touches to a new work to help Derwent Brass celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Music Foundation

A successful grant application from the PRS for Music Foundation enable the band to commission ask Paul to write a significant new work for the band.

Paul was delighted to accept the challenge and has spent the festive period finishing the untitled 20 minute work, fitting it in with the development of his new website: www.paul-mcghee.co.uk .

Excited

"I'm very excited to be working with Derwent Brass and Keith Leonard on this 20th anniversary commission," Paul told 4BR.

"Having known Keith and the band for many years I'm honoured that they've chosen to include me in their milestone celebration.

Hopefully, we can produce new music that breaks from convention and creates a different experience for the audience, whilst giving the members of Derwent, past and present, something to celebrate their times in the band."

We are looking forward to using it during 2012, after which time it is our intention to make the piece publically available to further encourage the spread of Paul's workMD, Keith Leonard

Premiere

The premiere of the new work will take place in February and the work will be published later for other bands to perform.

MD, Keith Leonard told 4BR: "We are all excited to be working with Paul on this piece.

We are looking forward to using it during 2012, after which time it is our intention to make the piece publically available to further encourage the spread of Paul's work, the Derwent Brass heritage and the ever increasing need to bring greater innovation to the brass band movement."

Something special

Keith added: "It’s wonderful that we have been able to engage a talent such as Paul to create something special for us. It has been delight to collaborate with him and we are looking forward to preparing and performing the work."

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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd