*
banner

Carpenter awarded Fellowship from RNCM

Composer Gary Carpenter is to become a Fellow of the RNCM in Manchester.

rncm
 

Composer Gary Carpenter, who wrote the evocative work 'Chi' for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in 1993 is among the Royal Northern College of Music's 2016 list of Fellowships.

The multi-award-winning composer and a tutor in composition at the RNCM, studied under John Lambert at the Royal College of Music and went on to gain widespread critical acclaim for his eclectic output, including concert music, operas, ballets and musicals.

Credits

His credits also include the radio drama 'The One Alone' with renowned author Iris Murdoch, and the highly influential 1973 film 'The Wicker Man', for which he was Musical Director.

He wrote 'Chi' in 1993 for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and which was subsequently recorded by Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

He joins music producer and songwriter Pete Waterman OBE and cellist Alasdair Tait in being given the fellowship award.

He wrote 'Chi' in 1993 for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and which was subsequently recorded by Grimethorpe Colliery Band4BR

Incredible achievements

Professor Linda Merrick, RNCM Principal, told 4BR: "The RNCM is one of the world's leading conservatoires, not only for gifted classical musicians, but for talented popular music students too.

Everyday our students take inspiration from professional tutors, performers and industry experts from all over the world, and it is a pleasure to be able to acknowledge the incredible achievements of Pete Waterman, Alasdair Tait and Gary Carpenter in this way."

Pete, Alasdair and Gary will be awarded their Fellowships at the College's Congregation of Awards in December.

The RNCM recently announced that Sir Mark Elder, Music Director of the Halle Orchestra would be awarded Companionship of the College.

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    


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Climb every mountain

Wright & Round: Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Rodgers & Hammerstein arr. Philip Harper)

August 25 • You simply can't beat a belting classic from Julie Andrews...


bRASS IN cOCNERT

Brass in Concert Championship sold out

August 25 • There is not a seat left to be filled in the hall for the 49th Brass in Concert Championship this year.


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd