*
banner

A4 Quartet set inspiring mark for students

The award winning A4 Quartet enjoy a day adjudication and performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as the next generation of brass ensembles showcase their impressive credentials.

Birmingham
  The A4 Brass Quartet presented the Bernard Brown Prize to 'The Woodmen' student ensemble winners

The award winning A4 Brass Quartet brought a theme of musical inspiration to the students of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this week as they both adjudicated and performed at the annual Bernard Brown Brass Ensemble Prize competition.

The group consisting of Jonathan Bates, Jamie Smith, Michael Cavanagh and Chris Robertson were certainly impressed by what they had heard from the five student ensembles finalists, each of who had to present a 15-minute programme of repertoire.

Woodmen winners

The eventual winners were 'The Woodmen', (above with the A4 Brass Quartet) who in authentic student tradition were named after the local pub they drink in.

The trombone quartet of two fourth year undergraduates, Dan Price and Ashley Nayler, and third year colleagues Toby Carr and Zac Fellows claimed the substantial cash prize thanks to a stylistically varied set that included excellent renditions of 'Pastime with Good Company' (with Zac also playing side drum), 'Suite for Four Trombones' by Flor Peeters and Tommy Pederson's 'The Nabobs Knuckle'.

Hard decision

"The standard from each of the finalists was excellent, and gave us a hard decision to make"the A4 Brass Quartet later told 4BR.

"It was good to hear so much variety and the sense of ambition in the repertoire. It was a reminder of what we were striving to achieve only a few years ago.

Our congratulations go to all the ensembles who really stepped up to the mark, and to the very impressive winners."

It was good to hear so much variety and the sense of ambition in the repertoire. It was a reminder of what we were striving to achieve only a few years agoA4 Brass Quartet

Polished professionalism

Later the students returned to hear the A4 Brass Quartet in action at the Conservatoire's Bradshaw Hall as they gave an inspiring performance that included 15 items of original and arranged repertoire presented with a level of polished professionalism that in the last year has also seen them claim prestigious ensemble awards of their own, including the Royal Overseas League and Royal Philharmonic Ensemble prizes.

Reflecting on the successful event, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Head of Brass, Amos Miller told 4BR. "It's been an excellent day, with the students showcasing their emerging talents and topped by an outstanding concert given by the A4 Brass Quartet."

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    


Helen Teasdale

New addition to coop trom section

July 3 • Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale joins the cooperation band on trombone.


Jonathan Corry

Corry to make hymn connection with Brighouse & Rastrick

July 3 • Dr Jonathan Corry will lead the West Riding band in a new CD recording project.


Eisrteddfod

Eisteddfod to showcase contests and entertainment

July 3 • There will be banding competitions and entertainment on offer at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in August — including the Llareggub Brass Band and Diego Maradona...


Craig Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe high as he becomes full AoBBA member

July 3 • Craig Ratcliffe has completed his development training programme to become a full member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd