The Lanner & District Band recently launced its new Lanner Brass Academy, which the band hope will provide an environment where young people can learn to play a brass instrument.

The Academy has the support of the senior band members from the Lanner and District Silver Band many of whom are actively involved as tutors of the Academy.

Support

The Academy is led by Musical Director Phil Matthews. Phil has been involved with brass bands for some 30 years and will be supported by the Academy’s Musical Advisor Stuart Chappell.

The emphasis is on achieving high musical standards whilst having funChairman, Lee Rouse

Launch

Three months on from the launch the Academy now has 22 members ranging in age from 6 to 15. Many of these members have been attracted from local schools after the introduction of brass lessons provided by the Cornwall Music Service.

Members are taught in small groups by one of the Academy tutors and then come together as a band under the direction of Phil Matthews.

Fun

The bands Chairman, Lee Rouse told 4BR: "The emphasis is on achieving high musical standards whilst having fun! The Academy could be described as a 'Musical Youth Club', and the social side is as important to our youngsters as the playing."