*
banner

French National Championship test pieces announced

Oliver Waespi's majestic test piece leads the works to be played at the 2025 French National Championships.

French
  The Championships take place in Metz in 2025

The Confederation Musicale de France (CMF) which runs the French National Brass Band Championships has announced the list of set-works that will be used at the 20th Championship event in Metz on the weekend of the 15th & 16th February 2025.

The event will be held at the City's Congress Centre hosted by the local CMF Moselle and Lorraine organisers

Waespi test

The Championships Section level Honneurs Division bands will perform Oliver Waespi's 'As if a voice were in them...', his creative reflection of the 'nameless force' that dictates the majestic beauty of the topography of the high Swiss Alps and its power to draw deep into a man's soul.

Jonathan Bates of Foden's Band will provide the Division 1 work, 'Out of the storm clouds' with works by Roger Deronge, Philip Harper and Stephan Hodel will test the bands in the other sections.

The defending Division Honneur champion is Hauts de France.

Set Works:

Division Honneur: As if a Voice were in them (Oliver Waespi)
Division 1: Out of the storm clouds (Jonathan Bates)
Division 2: In Flanders Fields (Roger Deronge)
Division 3: 20000 Leagues under the Sea (Philip Harper)
Division 4: Argos (Stephan Hodel)

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    


Katrina

Positive disruption promised for Children's Band finale

July 30 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Children's Band is ready to bring positive musical disruption to their audience under the baton of Katrina Marzella-Wheeler.


London Brass

London Brass looks towards 40th anniversary

July 30 • The critically acclaimed brass ensemble will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special concert in London later this year.


Besson

Prestige demand for new cornet

July 30 • Besson delight as new BE2029 Prestige cornet makes impact since its launch earlier this year.


NYBBS

Young cornet star claims NYBBS solo competition honour

July 30 • Isla Gillespie impressed the judges at the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland as she clams the Solo Competition award


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to complete our horn section. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

July 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (3rd) at 11am in our bandroom.. If your band is taking a summer break and you fancy keeping your lip in with a friendly,relaxed rehearsal come and join us.All abilities welcome and its all free with tea & cake.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd