Composer Bruce Fraser recently flew to the Isle of Man to host a tutorial weekend for Ramsey Town Band's junior section — 'Neptune St. Nippers'.

Busy man

The previous weekend had seen Bruce in Harrogate listening to his test piece 'Alta Vista' at the Fourth Section National Finals.

From there it was off to Manchester to witness the recording of his 'Tuba Concerto' by Jim Gourlay and then on to the Isle of Man for the weekend.

The weekend tutorial ended with a concert conducted by Bruce and featuring nine pieces composed or arranged by him4BR

Four national Nippers

Four members of the 'Nippers' also play in the National Childrens Brass Band of Great Britain.

Illiam Quane is principal cornet in both, Winnie Wood is principal euphonium and Charlotte Underwood first 2nd Trombone in NCBB, but were playing their second instruments for the 'Nippers' — Winnie on bass trombone and Charlotte on euphonium. Ellen Quane is 1st horn in the NCBB and principal horn in 'Nippers'.

Ages in the band are from 7 upwards with over 45 players in total enjoying the 'Nipper' experience when they all turn out.

New piece

The weekend tutorial ended with a concert conducted by Bruce and
featuring nine pieces composed or arranged by him.

During the weekend Bruce had organised a competition to provide a title for his new piece.

The winning title was 'The Heather and the Gorse', suggested by Daisy Revill and Ellen Quane and features four traditional Manx tunes with a Gaelic theme.