*
banner

Open champions set for student musical link

British Open champions Tredegar will be strengthening their performance links with Birmingham Conservatoire this Friday.

Tredegar in action
 

British Open champion Tredegar will be taking part in an innovative concert promotion on Friday 21st March as part of their band in residence programme with Birmingham Conservatoire.

Major works

As part of the conservatoire’s Friday ‘Orchestral Series’, the band will assist a number of fourth year students in their major performance and composition projects.

Concertos

These will include two performances of iconic cornet concertos by rising cornet stars; the fearsome Ernest Tomlinson work from 1974 to be played by Philip Tait, assistant principal cornet at Tredegar, and the contemporary 1993 composition by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen to be performed by James Screaton, principal cornet of Newstead Brass.

In addition, Clara Catt’s three movement work, ‘Razz!’ for trombone and brass band will be featured by Jay Hall, whilst her testing ensemble composition, ‘Versatility’ will be given a world premiere — featuring diverse styles such as tango, rock, a traditional Whit Friday march, a hymn and even a section of reggae!

Combined forces

Chopin’s famous ‘Etude 12’ is the basis for her ‘Revolutionary’, which will feature the combined forces of the Conservatoire Brass Band and Tredegar.

Fourth year tenor horn student John Jemmett has arranged Tchaikovsky’s, ‘The Storm’ for both bands, whilst composition student Alec Roberts offers his first contribution into the world of brass with the evocative, ‘In The Lands of The North’.

Building partnership

Alec has spent some time with Professor Philip Wilby while working on this piece, and Tredegar will also give the world premiere on Friday evening.

Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR: “This concert continues to build strong links between the Conservatoire and the band, and we are delighted to be able to showcase some of the most talented young performers and composers available to the brass band world.”

This concert continues to build strong links between the Conservatoire and the band, and we are delighted to be able to showcase some of the most talented young performers and composers available to the brass band worldIan Porthouse

Time and place

There is also a pre-concert talk with Ian Porthouse, soloists and composers at 6.30pm with the main concert starting in the Adrian Boult Hall at 7.30pm.

Tickets areE available on the door or in advance on 0121 331 5901.

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd