With an eye to next Summer's opportunities we'd like to give you a brief rundown on our 2006 journey into the British Brass Band world.
For the past five years Linda & I have visited the UK to participate in BBB Summer School programs offered there. We have selected two, one in Swansea, Wales, and the other in Bromsgrove Southwest of Birmingham. Each runs for a week involving extensive rehearsals, individual lessons, tutors recitals, student solos & ensembles, seminars on conducting and arranging, and finally a full band concert the final evening. Participants represent numerous countries although most are UK residents. In addition we have scheduled visits to several bands each year to sit in on rehearsals as well as played a few concerts.
This past Summer included some unique experiences as well as repetitions.
Our first week in Swansea was under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Childs, the Musical Director of Black Dyke. Besides bringing a background as a world class euphonium soloist, he has demonstrated his ability to take a UK top-ranked band to even greater musical heights and accomplishments. Far from a prima dona in demeanor, Nick is genuinely interested in the students and accessible to everyone. He believes every group can achieve excellence, given time, & determination. This expectation inspired everyone in the group to a new level of performance, it seemed. He presented GSBBB with a fanfare from the his library which we will bring to a rehearsal soon.
Our second week in Bromsgrove was a little more intensive with more rehearsal time and larger repertoire. Musical Director was Richard Evans, until recently the MD of Grimethorpe Colliery. Supremely talented, energetic way beyond his 70 & some years, he made pleasure out of the obvious work of rehearsal. High points this week were the "Whit Friday" parade contest, the tutors' concert as well as the Friday night full band concert which included a very demanding reading of "Fingal's Cave."
As usual our experiences in the UK have led us to several new pieces of music for our GSBBB library and numerous new entries in our address book. The new music will begin appearing at rehearsals beginning Sept 17th.
During our third week we sat in with several bands including the British Airways Band who will be visiting us in November. They are very nice folks and musically skilled. We exchanged the music we'll be playing together in our joint concerts. We're looking forward to a great time together.
Several members of GSBBB have attended these Summer schools in UK, including Joan LaRue, Jane Carter, Elaine Vanek, and Ken Sterling. Craig Spurrier has attended Bromsgrove for several years.
I think we all agree that we have benefitted musically from the experience and feel more connected with the world of brass banding.
Next year (2007) will mark the 25th anniversary of the Bromsgrove Summer School. Plans are underway to make it a week to remember. Why not join us??
Back to GSBBB homepage
Last updated September 5, 2006