*
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    


Imogen Whitehead

Interview with Imogen Whitehead

June 11 • 4BR catches up with the trumpet and flugel soloist ahead of her appearances at the Ryedale Festival — which includes the world premiere of a new flugel concerto with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.


Open

Demand high for British Open tickets

June 11 • Tickets for the 2026 British Open are being snapped up well ahead of the event in September.


Fodens

Jeffers takes horn lead at Foden's

June 11 • Grace Jeffers makes the solo horn seat her own at the North West champion.


Cory

Cory add Hutcherson experience to cornet section

June 11 • The experienced Jeff Hutcherson has joined the Welsh champion from BTM Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Celebrating the Music of Malcolm Bennett

Sunday 14 June • Venue-Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark-TA9 4NY. . TA9 4NY


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

June 12 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We are currently looking for a flugel horn player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting band, with a busy schedule of contests and engagements coming up throughout the year.


Linthwaite Band

June 11 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd