*
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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd