*
banner

Composers gain Salford titles

New compositional talent inspired by a Whistle Stop Tour, Shakespeare and the Incredible Hulk has been rewarded at the University of Salford.

Salford University
 

The University of Salford has announced the winners of its recent 'new music' competitions.

The long-standing Kirklees Composers Competition is an internal event celebrating new music for brass band, and is open to any undergraduate or postgraduate Salford student.

Whistle Stop Tour

Adjudicated by music lecturers Robin Dewhurst and Dan Price, Conductor-in-Residence, Tom Davoren and Graham Horsfield of Kirklees Music Publications, it was first-year student Barrie Jon Knight (above) who was awarded 'top honours' for his highly descriptive 'Whistle Stop Tour'.

Lonely Man

The 'Arranging Category' was won by third year cornet student Ryan Broad, for his take on Joe Harnell's 'The Lonely Man', from the classic television series 'The Incredible Hulk'.

The University also played host to the famous Central Band of the Royal Air Force, for a concert including the results of its second International Composers Competition — which attracted entries from the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and the Americas.

Guest soloist

Directed by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs and Squadron Leader Piers Morell, the band performed and recorded music composed by six finalists alongside exciting original music for wind orchestra by Nigel Hess and Philip Sparke.

The concert also included a guest solo performance from euphonium virtuoso David Childs, representing his company Prima Vista Musikk Ltd. who sponsored the competition and will also be publishing the winning entries.

Shakespeare

A panel conceding of Tom Davoren, David Childs, Dan Price, Duncan Stubbs and Piers Morell deliberated over a very close competition on works that celebrated the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

The 'Arranging Category' was won by third year cornet student Ryan Broad, for his take on Joe Harnell's 'The Lonely Man', from the classic television series 'The Incredible Hulk'4BR

Winners:

Category 1: Junior to Intermediate
1. 'Weird Sisters' (Richard Haydn Taylor)
2. 'River Avon' (Keith Davies)

Category 2: Intermediate to Professional
1. 'Caught in the Web' (Lesley Vincent)
2. 'A Cypress Prelude' (Christopher Lowry)
3. 'Molecular Machines' (James Peterson)
4. 'Star too Every Wandering Bark' (Ivan Bozicevic)

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    


Gareth Ritter

Former conductor sentenced for sexually assaulting 17 year old girl

November 4 • Gareth Ritter has been given a 33-month sentence, suspended for 30 months for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2015. He will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Tintwistle Band

November 4 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band, we rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom, under the baton of our new MD Tom Haslam.


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Percussion players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. . Contact:. P


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Euphonium/Baritone players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. .


Michael Bennett

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd