*
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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd