*
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    


Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: September update

September 21 • Treize Etoiles rise back to No.1, with Brighouse closing in after a second British Open win in four years.


Valaisia

Result: 2025 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Valaisia lays down the marker for their Swiss National defence as they retain the Swiss Open title in Luzern.


British Open

2026 Spring Festival test-pieces and judges announced

September 20 • The trio of works and the judges in the Grand Shield, Senior Cup and Senior Trophy have been confirmed by the Mortimer family.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Epping Forest Band

September 20 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Trombone Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks trombone players! Supportive, sociable band. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Soprano Cornet Vacancy!. We're a Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley with a soprano cornet seat available! Fun, friendly group. Rehearsals Mon & Wed, 19:45-21:45 at at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd