*
banner

New student composition competition looks for iconic inspiration

Student composers are being asked to be inspired by the North East of England

Angel
  You can be inspired by some of the iconic figures of the North East...

Durham University Brass Band has announced a new composition competition.

Supported by Durham Music Shop and well known local composer and brass band conductor Steve Robson, the 'Durham & Open Composition Competition' is open to all UK university students and graduates of up to one year.

Criteria

The musical criteria for entry are; for either an original work of around 6 minutes in duration inspired by the North East of England, or a concert march for standard brass band orchestration, aimed at Third Section level.

The competition has two classes; one open to all UK university students and recent graduates, and another open to just Durham University students and recent graduates.

Both offer prizes of £100, plus the chance to get your work published by Modrana Music Publishers and performed by Durham University Brass Band in the upcoming academic year.

We wanted to give composers right at the beginning of their careers a way to get their music out there and played by bandsDurham University Brass Band

Perfect opportunity

The winning entries will be judged by Steve, who told 4BR: "Whether you are a music student, a bandsman, or a musician looking for a new adventure, here is the perfect opportunity, and a unique way to add a further special memory to your years of academia."

Thomas Hicken, conductor of the Durham University Brass Band added: "We wanted to give composers right at the beginning of their careers a way to get their music out there and played by bands. We are really looking forward to performing the winning works!"

More information

For more information on how to enter (closing date 1st September) go to: https://community.dur.ac.uk/brass.band/compositionComp.html

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    


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


BBW

Brass Band World magazine: October edition

October 9 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — and it is packed with interviews, views, opinions and retrospectives — including a preview of this weekend's action at the Royal Albert Hall.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd