The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival in Shropshire will once again be running a competition to find the next budding brass band composer.

Support

As a result of continued sponsorship support from Shropshire based Estate Agents Nock Deighton, the competition will be staged ahead of the Festival which will take place on 11th and 12th July at the UNESCO Heritage site and Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale.

Eric Peagam of the Ironbridge Brass Band Festival committee told 4BR: "The Nock Deighton Challenge for Young Composers 2015 is open to young composers under the age of 21, who are invited to submit their own composition, in any genre or style as long as it is fully scored for brass band.”

Winner

Last year's competition was won by 17 year-old Daniel Hall who has since gone on to be selected for the composition team at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and write works for the likes of Tredegar Band.

Daniel’s winning piece, ‘Invaders from the North’, was played at the 2014 Ironbridge Gorge Festival by Jaguar Land Rover Band, whilst his ‘Colours in Rain’ was recently premiered by Tredegar at the British Bandsman Gala Concert on the eve of the British Open in Birmingham.

Include

“Entries for the 2015 competition do not have to have been specifically composed for The Nock Deighton Challenge”, added Mr Peagam, “but can include pieces prepared as part of school or university programmes, provided that they have not been previously published.

The panel will make their judgment based on the score, but if in addition a midi file is available, this will also be considered.”

Entry to the competition is free and all entries that meet the set criteria will be recognised with a token reward of £10.

Prizes

Mr Peagram concluded: “Winners of the first and second prizes will receive £100 and £50 respectively, along with the considerable kudos enjoyed by previous winners. Other prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.”

The Nock Deighton Challenge for Young Composers is open to young composers under the age of 21, who are invited to submit their own composition, in any genre or style as long as it is fully scored for brass bandorganisers

Details

Full details of the competition together with entry forms and further information can be obtained by emailing ericpeagam@aol.com or downloaded from the Festival website at www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk.

Entries must be submitted by 31st March 2015.