*
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    


Close Shave

KNDS Fairey look forward to A Close Shave with Wallace & Gromit

August 22 • A special double bill of Wallace & Gromit films plus extras will be heard in a very special concert in London in November.


Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 22 • More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


New South Wales

Live stream coverage of 130th New South Wales State Championships

August 22 • Tim Kelly is bringing all the action from Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.


Foden's Youth Band

Foden's Youth Band set to carry on 15th season of player development

August 22 • Registration is now open to be part of the 2026/27 Foden's Youth Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd