*
banner

New music Sale a great success

A new musical initiative featuring Sale Brass, the University of Salford, Huw Thomas, James McLeod and plenty of fantastic new works for brass band has been hailed a great success.

Sale Brass
 

Sale Brass recently took part in a 'New Music Workshop'. The project, organised by local composer Dave Collins, brought together a host of brass musicians, conductors, composers and sound engineer students from across the community for a day of music making and socialising.

Apocalyptic Sapphire

The group, including players from Sale Brass and other local bands, were given the opportunity to try out new music, receive tips from industry professionals and make new friends.

The new pieces included the fantastically named 'Apocalyptic Sapphire' by James McFayden, 'I Know Why' from Les Baker and Pete Graham's 'A Gannachy Lullaby'.

The band was put through its paces conductor Huw Thomas alongside Besson Artist James McLeod.

Excellent opportunity

Band Secreatry Rob Greaves told 4BR: "Having James and Huw take part was an excellent opportunity for the musicians to enjoy outstanding tips and tuition from two people at the top of their game.

The day was hard work but really good fun, and it definitely helped improve our playing."

The event culminated in a performance of six pieces of new music recorded by students from the University of Salford.

The event culminated in a performance of six pieces of new music recorded by students from the University of Salford.

Can't wait

Sale's own MD Alan Seymour added: "It was great for the band to get involved in a community project with such high calibre musicians as James and Huw — and we can't wait to feature this new music in our upcoming concerts."

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    


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


Saddleworth

Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


Antwerp Brass

New band formed after Festival Brass spilt

May 30 • Antwerp Brass has been formed after a major split from former Belgian champion Festival Brass after their European Championship appearance in Linz — led by Guy Audenaert and Harmen Vanhoorne.


Russell Gray

Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration

May 30 • Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.


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


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd