*
banner

New theme for Brass Factor

The innovative Brass Factor competition will have a new theme tune this year thanks to composer Dave Collins...

Dave Collins
 

The Brass Factor contest founder, Alex Bray, has enlisted the help of composer Dave Collins to come up with a unique theme track for this year’s competition.

Short piece

Dave (above) who has worked extensively on the innovative ElectroHorn Project, has been commissioned to write a short piece that will be used to promote the event and will be collaborating with Hebden Bridge Band to record the music.

Brass Factor has been wowing crowds at Holmfirth’s Picturedrome since 2010, where it began as a university project. Since then, the contest has gone from strength to strength, attracting celebrity judges to enjoy the unique brass band entertainment.

Brand identity

After the success of last year’s competition, the competition has moved to the much bigger Engine Shed in Wetherby.

Speaking on the link up, Alex Bray told 4BR: "After Brass Factor 2013 we decided to create an even stronger brand identity and have our own theme tune.

Dave's creative flair and enthusiasm is what Brass factor is all about and it has been a pleasure working closely with him. I hope the audience is very much looking forward to the most exciting thing to happen to Brass Factor yet."

After Brass Factor 2013 we decided to create an even stronger brand identity and have our own theme tuneBrass Factor, Alex Bray

Excited

Dave added: "I’m very excited to be involved with a contest that encourages bands to be innovative. The project has allowed me to work with a number of fantastic groups including Hebden Bridge Band and Voltalab Sound Studios."

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    


Tameside

Results: 2026 Tameside Whit Friday

June 2 • Foden's retain their Whit Friday title with a Presidential flourish in Tameside.


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Chinnor Silver

June 2 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONIST (kit/tuned) to join us in an exciting time for this 1st Section band.We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up for each rehearsal)Good sensible book of concerts and contests possible foreign trip 2027.


Crewe Brass

June 2 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET 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.


Crewe Brass

June 2 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS 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.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd