*
banner

Coventry help celebrate Catt's spice of life

City of Coventry Brass and composer Clara Catt bring their musical 'Spice Roots' to life in Birmingham.

City of Coventry
 

City of Coventry Brass, under their MD Stephen Cooper, recently helped to open the popular Simmer Down Festival, Birmingham’s biggest free international reggae festival held in the city’s Handsworth Park.

Spice Roots

Performing on the main stage, the band gave the world premiere of ‘Spice Roots’, written by their flugel horn player Clara Catt, who has just graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire and had been commissioned by the Festival organisers to compose the opening piece, ‘Spice Roots’.

Exotic

Clara told 4BR that the work had been inspired by the routes covering many continents and countries that the exotic spices take on their way to international markets.

"The first movement titled ‘Opening’, is just that. It begins in a typical brass band style and interweaves into a flowing Bhangra, whilst the second movement is slower, entitled ‘Spiritual’.

This combines the ideas of spirituality throughout all cultures — with a brass band connection to our history of playing hymn tunes.

It combines the idea of a brass band hymn with a gospel type tune including world instruments such as bongos and maracas."

the work had been inspired by the routes covering many continents and countries that the exotic spices take on their way to international markets4BR

ska

Clara added: "The third movement, titled ‘Encore’ is an upbeat finale to complete this short suite and encapsulates ideas of reggae, ska and German oompah!

It also represents the cross cultural idea of music for a celebration and the prominence of brass instruments in these genres."

Wide range

Musical Director Stephen Cooper told 4BR that the band certainly enjoyed playing the new composition. "We were delighted to be able to perform Clara’s repertoire and continue the bands tradition of performing the widest range of music."

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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player 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.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd