*
banner

New musical lines laid for York Railway

A new composer in residence will be providing plenty of new musical lines for York Railway Institute Band.

Byrom
 

York Railway Institute Band has announced the appointment of Peter Byrom-Smith as its first Composer in Residence.

Varied

The Yorkshire born musician has enjoyed a varied career arranging music for theatre productions to pop/rock bands, including the Eurovision Song Contest.

He has also worked as a choir master, teacher and performer with varied ensembles and has had his works performed throughout the world.

Premieres

Premieres this year have included, 'The Green Man' for cello and orchestra, 'A Suffolk Serenade' for voice, horn and string orchestra, 'Heading for the Hills for strings and 'Songs of Love and Death' for soprano and piano.

Honoured

He told 4BR: "I’m honoured and excited by the prospect of writing and working with such an accomplished group of musicians.

After writing ‘The Poppies of the Field’ which the band played so well, I’ve been inspired by a genre of music which is quite new to me and look forward to a fruitful partnership."

That composition was written as part of a community project to establish a wild flower meadow as an act of remembrance for those who suffered because of The First World War.

It's always a great privilege to have bespoke compositions to perform, particularly when the composer demonstrates such genuine enthusiasm and desire to become involved as Peter hasMD, Chris Hirst

Excited

Musical Director Chris Hirst added: "We are very excited to have Peter involved with the band.

It's always a great privilege to have bespoke compositions to perform, particularly when the composer demonstrates such genuine enthusiasm and desire to become involved as Peter has.

His involvement will without doubt have a great impact on the future success of the York RI Band, adding to an already hugely successful year in the band's history."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd