The University of Salford recently held its annual Kirklees Music Competition for composers and arrangers, with the internal competition attracting a record number of entries.

Hosted by Conductor in Residence Tom Davoren, who led the University of Salford Brass Band, 15 new arrangements and compositions by undergraduate and postgraduate students were workshop rehearsed and performed in the state of the art bandroom and recording studio at Salford's impressive New Adelphi Building.

Finalists

Four arrangements and compositions were selected for a live final adjudicated by Graham Horsfield of Kirklees Music, University Reader in Music, Dr Robin Dewhurst, Tom Davoren and lecturer Dan Price.

The winners were first year cornet student James Atkins and masters composer Shaun Murray, who will now have their work performed at Salford's annual Celebration Concert at Peel Hall (Wednesday 3rd May) by the University of Salford Brass Band alongside guests soloists Glenn Van Looy and James Fountain.

No easy task

Tom Davoren told 4BR: "It was fantastic to see such a large number of high quality entries for this increasingly important event.

The final shortlist was no easy task and the panel would like to thank each applicant as well as Graham Horsfield of Kirklees Music who will provide support and advice to the winners."

It was fantastic to see such a large number of high quality entries for this increasingly important eventTom Davoren.

Composition Final:

Lord of the Dance (Sam Myers)
Perception (Shaun Murray)
Wizards Tower (Alex Piling)
Glenariff Forest (Barrie Jon Knight)

Arrangement Final:

Pacific Rim (Joe Nickson)
Miserlou (James Atkins)
One Life to Live (Barrie Jon Knight)
The Stranger (Ryan Broad)

Winners:

Best Composition: Shaun Murray
Highly commended Composition: Sam Myers

Best Arrangement: James Atkins
Highly Commended Arrangement: Joe Nickson