*
banner

Pssssst! I will only say this once....

Young composers with an appetite to try something a little daring need to get in touch with a certain Jonny Midnight...

Top secret
 

Young composers with a penchant for a little bit of daring, thrill seeking and covert musical undercover work are asked to get in touch with a certain brass band secret agent to see if they can work together on his next special assignment.

Midnight

Jim Hayes — principal cornet of Co-operative Funeralcare Band — and also known as ‘Jonny Midnight’, is set to start work preparing for his third CD release called ‘Angels Will Fall’ under his alter-ego, after the popular reception received for his first two outings, ‘Dial M for Midnight’ and ‘A Second from Midnight’.

With a handkerchief over the receiver to a payphone somewhere in the North East, the instructions were relayed to 4BR in inimitable ‘Midnight’ fashion.

"The success of the first two releases has shown that there is plenty of great compositional talent to work with as a soloist," Jonny/Jim said.

"I want to explore new ideas and bring something a bit daring and even more inventive to this latest release, and I would love to hear from young composers who want to write solos that have a very individual identity."

Exciting

He added: "In the past I’ve worked with some great up and coming composers and the results have been brilliant.

The likes of Matt Hall and James McFadyen have also gone on to write works for other soloists and top flight bands, so I hope this could be the start of an exciting career for another new talent."

Interested

So if you are interested then the initial contact should be made at: olwynhayes@btinternet.com

And with that, we were told the tape would self destruct in 10 seconds...

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    


Ambassadors

NYBBGB Ambassadors inspiring future generations on outreach tour

July 7 • Over 4,000 primary school pupils will enjoy performances form the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Ambassador Ensemble over the next few days.


Herbert

Discount rate on The Brass Band Story

July 7 • Yale University Press Publishing is offering a special discount on Prof Trevor Herbert's new book about the banding movement.


Broderick

New top man at Hammonds

July 7 • Luke Broderick will take the principal cornet seat at the leading Yorkshire band.


Jedforest

Royal connection for Jedforest

July 7 • It seems the performance of Jedforest Instrumental Band brought back brass playing memories for King Charles III.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd