*
banner

Unique format for Synergy Youth Contest

Smartphones and audience voting to decide unique new youth contest.

Phone
 

4BR has been informed that the Synergy Brass Band Competition for youth, training or development bands will be taking place on Saturday 27th October at The Buckingham School, MK18 1AT.

Two parts

Commencing at 9.30am the competition will involve each band playing a 20 minute music programme.

Competition organiser Roy Scott told 4BR: "The music is the music and long may it be so, but ways of assessing musical performance and entertainment value can be changed and this is what the Synergy Competition is about."

Technology

Roy revealed that this meant that the unique competition will be using some of the most innovative technology available as the bands compete in two sections.

The first section will consist of two set pieces: ‘Jonah and the Whale’, a set of fantasy variations by Malcolm Bale, and Fanfare Prelude, ‘Regent Square’. This section will be judged on musical terms.

members of the audience will be asked to use their smartphones or other web enabled devices to participate in judging the entertainmentorganisers

Smartphones ready

The second section will focus on the entertainment element of the performance.

Roy stated: "This will be judged in a ground- breaking way, where members of the audience will be asked to use their smartphones or other web enabled devices to participate in judging the entertainment.

This type of audience participation is unprecedented in a brass band competition."

Further information

For further information on the competition or how to participate, please contact roy@synergybrass.co.uk or visit www.synergybrass.co.uk

Audience tickets are £5 and available on the door.

Bands wishing to enter can contact: www.synergybrass.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    


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET 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.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS 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.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd