*
banner

2021 4BR Special Award

This year's 4BR Special Award goes to Denis Wick — a man who revolutionised the way modern brass band sounds.

Special AWARD
  The 4BR Special Award this year goes to Denis Wick

There are very few people associated with the brass band movement who can genuinely be described as architects of revolution.

Denis Wick

One such is Denis Wick, the recipient of the 2021 4BR Special Award.

His remarkably informed musical insight linked to an equally refined business acumen revolutionised the sound of the modern, low-pitched brass band. It continues to this day.

Denis Wick's professional playing career spanned well over 40 years; from his first appointment at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1950, to encapsulate a 31-year tenure at the LSO (1957-1988).

His sound was heard on iconic recordings such as the premiere of the Gordon Jacob 'Trombone Concerto' to the soundtrack to the Star Wars films, whilst his pedagogy has also left a lasting influence — from the publication of his 'Trombone Technique' to his teaching at the Guildhall School of Music.

Countless players have benefited from his expertise — literally so in respect to his mouthpieces (mutes and accessories), which first appeared around 1968.

His name is to be found on the lips of players — from beginners to the world's greatest exponents, all around the musical world. It has become a gold plated marker of excellence.

Accolades

All the accolades have been richly deserved — from fellow players to former pupils, industry pioneers and entrepreneurs to a citation from Her Majesty The Queen on being presented with a 'Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade' in 2014.

Now aged 90, when asked about the impact he had on the brass band world, he said: "I was once told that our mouthpieces had revolutionised the sound of the modern brass band. It's such a wonderful musical ensemble, so it should always embrace innovation. Hopefully, we can do more to help that in the years to come."

Just look around the ranks of any brass band — from youth to elite level and you both see and hear the influence of Denis Wick in action.

That is the mark of a musician of true revolutionary spirit and a man committed to excellence in all the things he has done during his professional life.

He is the worthiest of recipients of the 4BR Award — and long may he continue to inspire further revolutions in the years to come.

Iwan Fox

Just look around the ranks of any brass band — from youth to elite level and you both see and hear the influence of Denis Wick in action4BR

Find out more

To find out more about Denis Wick go to:
https://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2021/1924.asp

4BR Special Award:


2020: Brass Bands England
2019: Lito Fontana
2018: Allan Withington
2017: Paul Hindmarsh
2016: Carole Crompton
2015: Philip Wilby
2014: Mike Shenton
2013: John Berryman
2012: Howard Snell
2011: Philip Sparke
2010: Scottish Brass Band Association
2009: Ian Williams
2008: Norwegian Band Federation
2007: Peter Roberts
2006: Markus Bach
2005: David Gallaher
2004: David Read
2003: Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd
2002: Frank Hodges
2001: Alan Jenkins

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    


Proms

BBE launches major annual events

March 11 • Bands up and down the UK can now sign-up for the free Brass Band Week and Proms in the Playground initiatives


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Dobcross Silver Band

March 11 • North West 3rd Section Champions, Dobcross Silver Band have a great opportunity for a 2ND EUPHONIUM PLAYER to join its very experienced and prize winning section. All ages considered for the right candidate.


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd