*
banner

Whit welcome for Collins at Tredegar

Composer Dave Collins enjoyed his recent visit up to Tredegar to hear the first performance of his new Whit Friday march.

Tredeagr
  There was a warm welcome on a cold January night for composer Dave Collins

Tredegar Band once again opened its doors to welcome visitors as they prepare for their forthcoming appearance at the RNCM Brass Band Festival in Manchester.

Composer Dave Collins made the trip up from his home in Penarth to bring his new march — so hot off the press it's yet to be given a title — to see how it sounded under MD Ian Porthouse's direction.

Whit Friday march

Dave, who works alongside his wife at Welsh National Opera, has written it for the British Bandsman March Composition Competition which supports the efforts of the Tameside and Saddleworth Whit Friday committees. His works are published by BrookWright Music.

With the band already working on premiere performances of Benjamin Britten's 'An American Overture' and Havergal Brian's 'The Battle Song', as well as a new work by Simon Dobson in memory of Bramwell Tovey and 'So Spoke Albion' by Gavin Higgins, they took the opportunity to run through it.

It's always good to welcome composers to Tredegar and the band really enjoyed Dave's work — an authentic march with a little bit of a twist — just what we like playingIan Porthouse

Great band

Speaking about his visit Dave told 4BR: "It was great to heard the work performed, and by such a great band. Supporting the work of volunteers at events such as Whit Friday is so important, so writing the march has an extra resonance."

In response Ian added: "It's always good to welcome composers to Tredegar and the band really enjoyed Dave's work — an authentic march with a little bit of a twist — just what we like playing. We look forward to playing it again and to checking out more of Dave's compositions."

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    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd