Philip Sparke: Endeavour Context Born in 1951 in London, Philip Sparke studied composition, trumpet and piano performance at the Royal College of Music. Due to his affiliation with brass, Sparke is known for his many popular works for both brass bands and wind orchestras. Sparke has won notable awards Read more…
Edward Gregson: The Plantagenets Context Composed for the 1973 National Brass Band Championships, Edward Gregson’s The Plantagenets has stood the test of time in the banding world. Subtitled ‘A Symphonic Study for Brass Band’ The Plantagenets is still to this day one of Gregson’s most ambitious symphonic-inspired works. Unlike many Read more…
Eric Ball: Resurgam Context Eric Walter John Ball was born in Gloucestershire in October 1903 and was the eldest of 16 siblings. He learned to play the piano and organ and by 1919 Ball started to work in the Salvation Army musical instrument department in London. Ball is known for Read more…
Paul Lovatt-Cooper: Vitae Aeternum Context Paul Lovatt-Cooper was born in Alderney, 1976. His parents were both Officers in the Salvation Army, so Lovatt-Cooper was quickly immersed in the family tradition of brass banding. Whilst at school, Lovatt-Cooper began learning the drums, and after he started proving his talents for percussion, was Read more…
Philip Sparke: Year of the Dragon Context Born and raised in London, Philip Sparke studied composition, trumpet, and piano at the Royal College of Music. Known as being one of the leading brass band and wind band composers, Sparke has won a notable amount of awards. Some of these include the Read more…
Jonathan Bates: Ex Terra Lucem Used as the second section Area test piece this year, Jonathan Bates’ composition Ex Terra Lucem made quite the impression on brass bands across the country. As well as being a prolific young solo tenor horn player, Jonathan Bates is a composer in demand in the brass band Read more…