*
banner

2024 Area test-pieces revealed

Music from Philip Sparke, Eric Ball, Christopher Bond and Alan Fernie will test the bands at the 2024 Regional Championships.

Nationals
  The test pieces have been announced today

The five set-works that will test the bands at the 2024 Regional Championships have been announced in the official Cheltenham National Finals programme this morning.

Test pieces

As rumoured it is Philip Sparke's 'Variations on an Enigma' for the Championships Section, with Eric Ball's classic 'High Peak' in the First Section.

More Sparke in the Second Section with his popular 'Triptych', whilst Christopher Bond's 'Corineus' makes its way up from youth level to the Third Section.

A brand new work from the pen of Alan Fernie will test the bands in the Fourth Section with 'Music for Jock Tamson'

Championship Section: Variations on an Enigma (Philip Sparke)

First Section: High Peak (Eric Ball)

Second Section: Triptych (Philip Sparke)

Third Section: Corineus (Christopher Bond)

Fourth Section: Music for Jock Tamson (Alan Fernie)

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    


Brass in Concert

Be part of the 4BR Brass in Concert coverage

November 12 • You can be part of the 4BR coverage from Brass in Concert — and all from the comfort of your home.


Esington

Easington's short odds to be part of Xmas No.1

November 12 • It could be a neck and neck fight between Sam Fender and Easington Colliery with George Michael and Wham for the coveted Xmas Number 1 spot in the pop charts.


Italian Brass Band

Renton inspires new spheres of conducting influence in Rome

November 12 • Frank Renton has just returned from leading the Italian Brass Band's annual conducting masterclass.


Youth Championships

Last call to play a part at the National Youth Championships

November 12 • If you want to be part of the flagship youth competition then you still have time to get in touch with Brass Bands England.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd