*
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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

September 17 • More brass band music from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge with a flavour of the National Finals at Cheltenham.


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd