*
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    


York Barbican

National Finals to move to York

February 27 • The Section 1-4 National Finals will be held York Barbican this year as the contest heads north from Cheltenham.


Norwegain

11 bands face potential Norwegian national relegation

February 27 • Bands that failed to pay their annual NMF membership fee on time could find themselves relegated to the bottom tier of their National Championship.


French National Championships

French bands prepare for National challenges

February 27 • The 2026 French National Championships take place in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy this weekend.


ISM

ISM to host Make Music Work conference day

February 27 • If you want to find out how to make a sustainable career in the music industry then get along to the ISM 'Make Music Work' conference day in London in April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd