*
banner

New spirit of isolation looks for community support

A new initiative from the organiser's of BrassFest UK looks to bring players together in communal musical isolation.

BrassFest
  The new initiative hopes to bring players together

A new initiative is being launched entitled 'The Spirit of Brass — Isolation Massed Band' by the people behind the highly successful BrassFest UK.

Led by well known bandsman Rob Tompkins and with help from Pennine Music and Cory Band, it's hoped to attract players who want to be part of a team isolation video of their own.

The Spirit of Brass

Thanks to Pennine Music, the piece to be performed will be the 2017 BrassFestUK anthem composed by Gavin Somerset entitled, 'The Spirit of Brass', with a recording to practice along to courtesy of the world's number 1 ranked band.

'The Spirit of Brass' has been written at two different levels also help participants: The first is for Fourth Section standard ensembles and above, with a simplified version for players more comfortable with an easier part.

Be a part

Rob told 4BR: "I want to stretch out a hand to those that are at home and really want to be part of something like this but don't have the confidence to put their names forward and record themselves.

I'm happy to include just sound, so no video or picture will appear in the video, or to include someone playing part of the piece if they can't manage it all.

It's all about participating in whatever way you can."

I want to stretch out a hand to those that are at home and really want to be part of something like this but don't have the confidence to put their names forward and record themselvesRob Tompkins

Further information

If you want to be a part, go to: https://www.brassfestuk.com/isolation-entries and fill in the form with your details. There is also a field for you to enter a message if you wish to do so.

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    


Melvin White

White honoured by Palace appearance

May 12 • Conductor Melvin White was honoured by an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the banding movement.


Northern Trust

Smiles and positivity on inspirational Open Learning day

May 12 • The recent Northern Regional Brass Band Trust Open Learning Day proved to be a great success.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Calling (Naomi Rebecca Hill)

May 12 • The award winning composition is an ideal addition to any concert or entertainment contest programme.


RBC

RBC Open Day invite to students

May 12 • If you are considering studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, then an Open Day next month will give you all the details and inspiration you need.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd