*
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    


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Brass Band Willebroek

European contenders ready for Willebroek challenge

October 23 • 55 players from seven European countries will look to claim titles at the Willebroek Solo Contest.


Ben Haemhouts

Leadership schedule keeps Haemhouts in business

October 23 • The Chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission brings musical insight to the business community.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd