*
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    


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd