The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival Committee is now accepting entries for the 2014 Nock Deighton Challenge for Young Composers.

Young composers

The competition is open to any young composer under the age of 21 to submit their own composition, in any genre or style as long as it is fully scored for brass band.

Organiser Eric Peagam told 4BR: "The competition grew out of the workshop we ran for younger players at the 2012 event.

It became a reality when Shropshire estate agency, Nock Deighton, stepped in to sponsor it, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to back it again.

The Festival is keen to support musical education and this competition gives youngsters the chance to show off their skills and compose their very own piece of brass band music."

The 2013 winner was 17-year old Harry Sargeant, who got to play his winning composition, 'Colonel Custard and Major Mustard', with Midlands Area champions Jaguar Landrover Band4BR

Mustard winner

The 2013 winner was 17-year old Harry Sargeant, who got to play his winning composition, 'Colonel Custard and Major Mustard', with Midlands Area champions Jaguar Landrover Band at this year’s Ironbridge Brass Band Festival.

Competition entries should ideally be between 2 & 1/2 and 4 minutes long, and submitted either as hard copy or in electronic format by the end of March 2014.

Entry forms

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk

Entries will be shortlisted by a local panel of experienced brass band musicians, with the final selection being undertaken by guest judge Dennis Masters.

Graham Taylor, Managing Director of Nock Deighton, added: "I’m delighted that the event proved so successful and that the new piece of music was so well received.

Nock Deighton will be delighted to provide the same level of support once again."