Thoughts On Creating New Commissions

Over the past number of years, I have really enjoyed working with various composers to create new works both for the Euphonium and for the Brass Band

Being involved in the commissioning process is a really exciting and creative process when new and exciting ideas can flow and in hindsight the creative process can reflect a specific period of creative inspiration especially when one studies the thought processes that were part of the commissioning of a new piece of music.

Commissioning a new piece of music whether as a soloist or commissioning a piece for a brass band can we a time consuming and expensive process but the rewards and end results are often unique and memorable.

I wanted to create a post that would perhaps provide some general themes and subjects for someone looking to commission a new work as well as some sources which can provide inspiration for a new work.

I find that my own creative inspirations are heavily influenced by my current situation which can include the books I am reading, films that I am watching, composers who have caught my musical attention as well as human stories which have touched my heart and caught my imagination.

For example, Philip Harper’s ‘Concerto for Euphonium’ was inspired by my research into my great grandfather Henry Nichols who served with The 1/6th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was killed in action on Sunday 11th March 1917 whereas Philip Sparke’s work for the Euphonium which is entitled ‘Erin’s Isle’ was inspired by sections of some of his previous music for brass band which included ‘Hymn of The Highlands’ and ‘A Tale As Yet Untold’. 

I have recently started to gain a real interest in the subject of how brass band repertoire can be changed to appeal to a whole new audience and I have started to explore how themed concerts could engage and attract a new audience.

I have been working on some of the following themes for potential new concert programmes which includes:

• ‘Peaky Blinders’ Theme.

• ‘Pirates’ Theme.

• ‘Vikings’ Theme.

• ‘Ibiza’ Theme.

• ‘Wild West’ Theme.

• ‘Murder Mystery’ Theme.

• ‘A Night On The Town’ Theme.

• ‘A Night With Hans Zimmer and John Williams’ or an ‘Epic Film Theme’ Theme.

• ‘Video Games’ Theme.

• 'Glastonbrass' Theme.

• A 'Comedy' Theme.

  
  

I look forward to seeing some of these themes being brought to life in a brass band concert in the near future!