*
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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd