*
banner

Song of Hope inspires thousands

1400 performers aged 6 to 93 from 93 countries pay tribute to the inspirational American trumpet player Ryan Anthony.

Ryan Anthony
  Ryan Anthony was diagnosed with cancer aged just 42 but went on to inspire thousands of people.

A month after the death of Ryan Anthony, 1400 performers, aged 6 to 93 and from 93 countries have been brought together for a remarkable performance of Peter Meechan's 'Song for Hope' which pays and anthem tribute the great American trumpet player.

Ryan passed away following a near decade battle against cancer. He was just 51.

Cancer Blows

In response to his diagnoses he set up the foundation charity, 'Cancer Blows'which championed music as the way to give people everywhere hope in their own battles against the illness.

His story is now the subject of an upcoming documentary feature film, although his own final ambitious project was to appeal to musicians everywhere, of every standard, to come together and form this incredible virtual ensemble, playing the beautiful 'Song of Hope'.

Such was the regard Ryan was held in that the likes of legendary performers Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval and Allen Vizzutti all took part, whilst Ryan recorded his own contribution just a well before he died4BR

Anthem

His great friend Chris Haigh told 4BR: "This was an anthem for Ryan and all he stood for. Now, this video, containing all performers aged 6 to 93 and Grammy-winning recording artists alongside those just beginning their musical journey, will immortalize him and his mission to show Music=Hope.

Such was the regard Ryan was held in that the likes of legendary performers Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval and Allen Vizzutti all took part, whilst Ryan recorded his own contribution just a well before he died.

Contributors came from Australia to Vietnam with all stops in between, whilst the list of trumpet performers reads like the best 'who's who' in the musical world.

To listen

Go to: https://www.songforhopemovie.com/song-of-hope-world-band

More about the project

To find out more about how the project came about go to:
https://www.4barsrest.com/news/40348/inspirational-trumpet-star-gives-hope-to-thousands

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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd