Keep the Rhythm Going – Neil Brownless
This piece was written during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and was written as a tribute to all of the musicians that managed to ‘keep the rhythm going’ despite lockdown restrictions. The piece was written for Abingdon Concert Band to perform virtually where they were joined by players from 71 other ensembles around the world. Neil was awarded Making Music UK’s ‘Best Music Creator for a Leisure Time Music Group’ award in 2021 for this piece.
Versions for brass band and wind band are published by Pennine Music.
Boughs of Holly (Cornet/Flugel Solo) – Neil Brownless
Boughs of Holly is an up-tempo Christmas solo for Cornet or Flugel based on the second bar of the carol Deck the Hall. This solo was written for Holly Winspear, 2025-2026 Principal Cornet of the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band, and is suitable for fourth section bands and above. An audio sample is available on the Pennine Music website.
Welcome to the Rock
David Hein and Irene Sankoff arr. Neil Brownless
Welcome to the Rock opens and closes the hit musical Come From Away which tells the story of the town of Gander in Newfoundland where planes were diverted during the 9/11 terror attacks. It’s a heart warming story about the community spirit as the small town becomes home to 7000 people from all over the world.
Buy the concert band version from Sheet Music Direct
Buy the brass abnd version from Sheet Music Direct
Icelandic Hymn – Heyr himna smiður
Thorkell Sigurbjörnsson arr. Neil Brownless
This arrangement was made for Towcester Studio Band’s winning ‘Round the World’ programme at the 2018 Bolsover Festival of Brass. Based on a poem written in 1208 by Icelandic chieftain Kolbeinn Tumason on his death bed, the title translates as ‘Hear, Smith of Heavens’. It has become one of the most popular hymns in Iceland and has recently been used in the TV series Handmaid’s Tale. The music also went viral following an impromptu performance by a choir at a German train station, accumulating over 4 million views.
This arrangement brings something totally different to your concerts with an atmospheric setting for brass band, featuring the flugel horn in the opening and closing bars over sung chords from the rest of the band.
Shine Down – Smiley, Gersmehl & Farrell arr. Blyth trs. Neil Brownless
This up-tempo song has been featured by the contemporary Christian artist, Sandi Patti, will make a sparkling opener for a concert. Neil has transcribed Andrew Blyth’s brass band arrangement for concert band which you can hear below played by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
Neil Brownless Conductor 