*
banner

Time to make final lyrical impressions

There is still time for cornet players all over the globe to send in their entries to win the Phillip McCann Geneva Cornet Slow Melody Competition.

gENEVA
  The competition is inspired by the legendary cornet player's lyrical artistry

There is still time to get your entries in for the Phillip McCann Geneva Cornet Slow Melody Competition

The worldwide online event was set up by the legendary cornet artist and Geneva Group to inspire the next generation of lyrical performers.

Three categories

There are three categories of cornet competition: 12 Years and under; 13 to 15 Years, and 16 to 18 Years, with the best three performers in each category invited to a masterclass with Phillip McCann and fellow Heritage Cornet artist, Kirsty Abbotts.

The overall winner will become the lucky recipient of a brand new Geneva Heritage Cornet — the instrument that has been exclusively developed by Phillip to help performers produce that silky, 'singing' tonality that makes the classic traditional cornet sound.

Lyrical

Speaking previously about the event Phillip told 4BR: "My intention with this new, exciting on-line competition is to encourage the development of our young cornet players, and in particular the lyrical aspect of their playing.

I hope this event encourages young players to use it to the utmost to project their personality and express their feelings through their sound."

Tips

As for any tips for players from around the globe who will be entering the event in the hope of gaining the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass with Kirsty and himself — and perhaps claim that stunning winner's prize, he added: "Better to be a first-class version of yourself than a second-class version of someone else!"

There are three categories: 12 Years and under; 13 to 15 Years, and 16 to 18 Years, with the best three performers in each category invited to a masterclass with Phillip McCann and fellow Heritage Cornet artist, Kirsty Abbotts4BR

Entry information:

Entries must be sent to: info@genevainstruments.com

The closing date is 17th March

The winners will be announced on 1st May

Categories:
12 Years and under
13 to 15 Years
16 to 18 Years

Please note:

The competition is for cornet players only
The recording must be a 'live' unenhanced single performance
There should be no editing on the entry
The solo must not exceed 6 minutes
The solo can be accompanied
Terms and conditions for entry

Please read full details of terms and conditions for entry at: https://genevainstruments.com/heritage/competition/

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR British Open preview podcast

September 9 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions this evening at 7.00pm ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Sphere success

British Open Countdown: T minus 3

September 9 • The form guide for the bookies on who has previously tasted success on 'Music of the Spheres' doesn't give much away...


York Barbican

Wobplay video recordings to be made at York National Finals

September 8 • Full video recordings will be made of all the performances at the forthcoming York Barbican National Finals.


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


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


Chinnor Silver

September 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (14th) at 11am in our bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities who wish to join us in a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. It also involves tea and cake and its free to all..


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd