*
banner

Sparke for FABB

A Philip Sparke work gets the nod as the test piece for the inaugural Australasian Open.

Federation of Australasian Brass Bands
 

The Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB) has informed 4barsrest Downunder that the Test Piece selected for the inaugural Australasian Open Championship will be ‘Music for Battle Creek’ by Philip Sparke.

The Chairman of FABB, Rick Casagrande commented, “I am particularly pleased with this recommendation made by Music Advisor, Professor David King."

I am particularly pleased with this recommendation made by Music Advisor, Professor David King.FABB Chairman, Rick Casagrande

"Following the outstanding success and popularity of Sparke’s ‘Music For Battle Creek’ at the Royal Albert Hall ‘National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain’ last October, FABB believe this composition will be equally as popular with both conductors and players when it receives its Australasian contest premiere as a set work at the FABB 2008 Australasian Open Championships.”

Brass Music Specialists in Brisbane have copies of the selection available for purchase at competitive rates. Contact Greg Aitken at greg@brassmusic.com.au or phone +61 7 3278 1311

The Australasian Open Festival takes place at Tweed Heads on the Queensland-New South Wales border on the weekend of 25 & 26 October 2008.

www.fabb.com.au

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player 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.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and 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.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd