*
banner

Fieldhouse rewarded for nefarious activity

The multi talented Jim Fieldhouse wins a festive bonus Blaze with composition award.

Nefarious
  Jim Fieldhouse has won the award for his work 'Blaze'

The known euphonium soloist and multi-instrumentalist Jim Fieldhouse has enjoyed an early Christmas bonus in recognition of just a part of his extensive freelance musical work.

His lockdown composition 'Blaze' for four euphoniums has won a prestigious 2020 Sheet Music Plus Award — accompanied by a cash prize of $800. It took the honours in the Contemporary Music: Small Instrumental Ensemble category, beating four rivals from across the musical globe.

Blaze away

Talking to 4BR, Jim said: "Sheet Music Plus is a company that helps freelance composers and arrangers as they offer the opportunity to look after the publishing requirements of your work which are published as on-line downloads.

It means you can concentrate fully on what you want to write — and in this case allowed me to develop 'Blaze' in the way I wanted it for four euphoniums. Their networking reach has also been so helpful and the award comes as an extra boost after what has been a challenging year."

Jim already has an extensive catalogue of works through his Nefarious Music Publishing company to his name — including works for brass, woodwind and mixed ensembles.

Bang

In his words 'Blaze', "…starts with a bang and is not for the faint hearted!"

"The relentless melodic lines are laid over funk influenced grooves and driving bass riffs playing with good time and feel are really important for switching between the more traditional brass band style and the all out jazz Funk sections.

I hope players enjoy it — it's different, fun and makes a real impression."

I've been lucky that I've got a number of different strands of work at present, but writing and arranging is important and a sphere that I want to explore furtherJim Fieldhouse

Boost

He added: "I've been lucky that I've got a number of different strands of work at present, but writing and arranging is important and a sphere that I want to explore further.

I was still gobsmacked by the award, but it was such a boost to know that it has gained such a positive critical response to go with the sales.

There are still many challenges ahead for freelance musicians, but I think this award shows that there are opportunities out there too."

Blaze:

https://youtu.be/-IFVMKz4Rp0

The music is available digital download at www.nefariousmusic.com
https://www.nefariousmusic.com/shop/p/blaze-euph4tet

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    


Presto CDs

New partnership link for 4BR and Presto Music

June 2 • If you are looking to add to your classical music collections or those linked to the brass world, then you can do it by a click or two...


Denis Wick

Denis Wick Memorial Concert

June 2 • The life of the iconic musician, teacher, mouthpiece designer and businessman Denis Wick will be celebrated at a special concert this week in London.


Brass Cruise

A Brass Band Cruise with a difference

June 2 • You can enjoy a relaxing trip to three port cities accompanied by the sound of brass next year — or you can join in yourself.


Italian Brass Band

STEAM power boosts Italian outreach

June 2 • The Italian Brass Band continues to strengthen its Roman profile with its latest school link.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

June 1 • A highly motivated and talented musician with strong organisational skills is required to lead the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band as the Voluntary Band Instructor. This is a full time paid position (37 hrs pw)


Croy Silver Band

June 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but we always welcome enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd