*
banner

Wainwright claims Grimethorpe Composition Competition title

Andrew's Wainwright's 'Fallen Souls' has become the inaugural winner of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band Composition Competition.

Andrew Wainwright
  Andrew received his prize at the concert given by the band in Barnsley

Andrew Wainwright's 'Fallen Souls' has won the inaugural Grimethorpe Colliery Band Composition Competition.

Andrew, who is currently in the UK with his young family from his home in the USA claimed the £1,000 first prize from the jury of Dr Liz Lane and Dr Jack Stamp and will now see his work published and recorded alongside other entries from the successful event.

The runner-up and £300 prize went to Werner De Bleser for his composition 'Mirror', while the Under 24 prize of £300 was won by Nicholas Ma and his composition 'Carnival of Masks'.

Worldwide entries

105 entries from across the world made their way to Grimethorpe for consideration, with the process seeing 17 semi-finalists gaining further in-depth scrutiny before the final trio of finalists was announced.

Speaking about the victory, Andrew said on his Facenbook page: "Thrilled to have won the Grimethorpe Colliery Band Composition Competition! It was special to have been able to attend the band's concert yesterday in their home town with my parents where the results were announced.

Couldn't have worked out better timing wise with us being in England this week! Well done to all who took part and thanks to the band for holding such a great initiative."

Award winner

Andrew is already an established composer for the brass band medium, with several of his own works already performed extensively across the globe. In 2020 he set up BrookWright Music which publishes his and many other composers works. In 2018 he won the RWCMD Cory Band Composer Competition.

The band itself was absolutely delighted with the standard of the compositions and told 4BR that they were proud to give both 'Fallen Souls' and 'Mirror' their world premieres at their concert as part of the Brassed On Festival in Barnsley.

It was special to have been able to attend the band's concert yesterday in their home town with my parents where the results were announcedAndrew Wainwright

Positive

Band Manager Richard Windle told 4BR: "The whole process has been a really positive one and we were thrilled that Andrew Wainwright could join us for the world premiere of his piece.

Our composers in association, Dr Liz Lane and Dr Jack Stamp were both impressed with Andrew's work, and this was backed up by the band who after rehearsing the five finalists voted it as their own favourite."

To find out more about Andrew Wainwright's music


www.brookwrightmusic.com

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    


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


BBW

Brass Band World magazine: October edition

October 9 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — and it is packed with interviews, views, opinions and retrospectives — including a preview of this weekend's action at the Royal Albert Hall.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd