international brass band summer school
Oldham
The IBBSS looks forward to giving our guests a warm welcome. The quality of the
faculty virtually ensures a high-octane adventure for everyone involved. Located
at University of Wales, Swansea, which overlooks the majestic panorama of
Swansea Bay, all participants will be spoilt for choice both in the realm of
music and holidaying options on offer. As in any learning situation, the bottom
line rests with the quality of the faculty, and in this case, it is as good as
it gets anywhere in the world. Each member of the faculty is internationally
renowned, not only for their musical and performance expertise but also their
social skills, a consequence of a regular diet of globe-trotting, performing and
conducting master-classes to people of all ages and abilities. It was famously
said of the Artistic Director, Dr. Nicholas Childs, that if he had played the
cello rather than the euphonium, his name would have been Rostropovich. He is
now perhaps more widely known as Artistic Director of the world-famous Black
Dyke Band. Meanwhile, the instrumental tutors represent the cream of Britain’s
incredibly talented core of brilliant instrumentalists: the incredible Tom
Hutchinson from The Cory Band, Daniel Thomas, Richard Marshall and Brett Baker
from Black Dyke, Freelance soloist Owen Farr and Gary Curtin from the Fodens
Band. Under their expert tutelage you will be given the opportunity to explore
new repertoire, meet new friends and generally have a fantastic time. For those
applicants who possess an overwhelming desire to seriously improve their
all-round playing skills and musical understanding, then, without doubt, they
have chosen wisely, for the fixed intention is to provide them with a learning
experience of a lifetime, whilst still allowing time and space for holiday fun.
If the aim is to balance a general improvement in overall playing standards with
making new like-minded friends, whilst enjoying a little more time in the sun
amidst great surroundings, then look no further. In short, everyone enrolled in
the summer course will be able to design a great banding holiday with precisely
as much music making as is desired. The International Brass Band Summer School
also caters for non-participating and non-residential visitors. For those who
want to brush up on their brass band skills whilst their partners soak up the
sun in a sublime environment, rest assured, this will resemble Christmas in the
summer.
