*
banner

Smoke Sketches sets imaginations alight at Salford

The new work by young composer Daniel Hall certainly made a huge impression on performers and audience alike at the National Youth Championships — and you can hear why too.

wARDLE
  The breathtaking winning performance was made by Wardle Academy Youth Band

The outstanding winning performance by Wardle Academy Youth Band of composer Daniel Hall's new composition, 'Smoke Sketches', has been officially recorded by Paul Hindmarsh, Consultant Editor Faber Music Ltd, at the recent National Youth Championships of Great Britain.

Visions and images

'Smoke Sketches' is an 8 minute work that takes its inspiration from the art of divination — interpreting visions and images from the smoke of an open fire, and was used as the set-test in the Intermediate Section.

The three movement work, comprising sections, 'Into the Blaze', 'A Lonesome Ember' and 'Spark of Light', was written specifically for the event, but is also already being seen as one that could easily be used at Fourth Section level with its energetic jazz and blues character.

Inspired

In congratulating all 11 bands at the contest, Daniel added a special mention for Wardle's performance, saying: "Never have I ever been so inspired by a youth ensemble's performance; the amount of detail and attention to character was immense; thank you all so much!"

The music is available by special purchase from Faber Music Ltd. and will be published in Faber Music Band Series in due course.

'Smoke Sketches' is an 8 minute work that takes its inspiration from the art of divination — interpreting visions and images from the smoke of an open fire, and was used as the set-test in the Intermediate Section4BR

To hear the music go to:

https://soundcloud.com/paul-hindmarsh-music/smoke-sketches-daniel-hall-wardle-academy-youth-bandlee-rigg

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


Stephen Tighe

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd