*
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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd