*
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    


Illevold

Home town honour for Illevold's roots

September 7 • The Norwegian euphonium soloist has been honoured for her musical achievements by her home town.


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


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


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd