*
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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd