*
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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd