*
banner

I have a dream...

Composer Simon Dobson hopes that his new compositional initiative can become a dream come true...

Simon Dobson in action
 

Composer Simon Dobson’s is hoping that his latest musical initiative can break something of a musical mould with a recording that takes a collective step into the unknown....

Ongoing

Simon told 4BR: "As a brass and wind composer I’ve always tried to push boundaries. I feel very strongly that the way the wider audience feels and listens to brass music is key to the ongoing development and growth of the genre.

Without excitement and innovation, any type of music will struggle to maintain a positive outlook and the record that I want to cut is a chance to collectively do something positive for a movement that needs change and cross pollination to push it forward."

Ingrained

He feels that the time has come to change what he feels are ingrained perceptions. As a result he has taken the initiative with his project entitled #euneirophrenia – which translates into the feeling of well being people have after waking up after a particularly good dream.

"I want to make my first solo record a work that challenges the possible perceptions that the brass band and wind band scene can be archaic and exclusive," he added.

"I'd love to be able to make a record that changes the way people think and feel about classical brass composition and perhaps show them a side of the playing and soundworld they might not have encountered before."

Punks and funksters

He continued: "This will not just be a record for people who are into contemporary classical composition or brass bands, but one that should appeal to fans of jazz, dubstep and breaks.

I want punks, rockers, funksters clubbers to see the same sense of vitality and colour that I have seen in brass playing."

The innovative recording will see Simon working with a number of leading musicians – including the first ever brass band vesus dubstep composition.

Diverse

The British Composer Award winner continued: "I want to show the diverse range of things brass instruments can do when the chance is given! This record will contain the first ever brass band v. dubstep piece in a collaboration with UK dubstep producer KOVEN, as well as many other interesting experiments!

I'm hoping to create a collection of music that sounds, and as a product, looks different to anything the wind and brass movement has seen before – but I'm going to need as much help as possible to make this happen."

Centrepiece

Simon’s BASCA award winning composition, 'A Symphony of Colours' will provide the centrepiece of the record, surrounded by the host of innovative works that he believes will open exciting new compositional avenues for young composers in particular.

"I want the project to live up to its title – and that feeling of people waking up to listen to something new and exciting as if from the best dream possible."

More information

For more information on Simon’s project and to see if you can help make it come to fruition, please go to his campaign pages at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simon-Dobson/135766243209390?ref=hl
http://www.sponsume.com/project/euneirophrenia

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd