Composer Derek Bourgeois recently attended a rehearsal with the current First Division World Champions, Brass Band Heist.

Derek was in Belgium to supervise the premiere recording of the wind band version of his 'Apocalypse' composition by the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides.

Leman

Soprano player Bert Van Thienen is the lead trumpet player of the military band, and initially got in touch with the composer about his composition 'Lac Léman'.

'Lac Léman' was commissioned in 2002 by the Swiss Brass Band Association as a test piece for the Dutch and Swiss National Brass Band Championships, and Brass Band Heist will be using the piece as their own choice selection at the Flemish Open next month.

I am really grateful that the composer gave some really useful tips and tricks, and even made some small changes to his scoreBert Van Thienen

First time

For Derek it was the first time after the Europeans of 2003 he has worked with a brass band again, but was amazed of the standard of playing by the young musicians of Brass Band Heist.

He told Bert that with still four weeks to go, he's confident that their performance will be one of great quality.

Tips

MD Bert Van Thienen told 4BR: "I am really grateful that the composer gave some really useful tips and tricks, and even made some small changes to his score. It gave the band a real boost and we are looking forward to the contest with great confidence!"