The Black Dyke Brass Symposium on June 12th is set to spotlight low brass, and is looking for delegates on low brass tubas, euphoniums and baritones to come and take part in the event.

Series of sessions

This year’s event offers a series of sessions including chamber music skills, performance techniques and general tips to improve low brass playing.

The Groves Brass Ensemble will also be featured during the day, performing a work by Simon Dobson for Euphonium, Brass Quintet and Acid Dance track.

Even better

Black Dyke's David Thornton told 4BR: "I was delighted by the success of last year’s event and I think we have an even better day this time around. Maurice Bale has crafted an amazing transcription of 'Night On A Bare Mountain', which will sound unbelievable with this many low brass players."

As well as a massed session, participants will be split into smaller ensembles, rehearsing separately and led by members of Black Dyke4BR

Any age

The event includes sessions which are aimed at players of any age or standard to participate, or simply observe, and will be led by David Thornton and Joe Cook, and assisted by the Black Dyke low brass section.

Inspire and stimulate

The spotlight intends to inspire and stimulate players through practical classes on key skills used at contests and during concerts (including playing in the section and how to cope with nerves)

As well as a massed session, participants will be split into smaller ensembles, rehearsing separately and led by members of Black Dyke.

Climax

The day will culminate with a performance from each group, whilst smaller groups will also provide an opportunity for delegates to ‘pick the brains’ of the experienced spotlight team.

Interested

Anyone interested in attending should contact David Thornton on thorntoneuph@googlemail.com or 07702 344 468 – giving contact details, playing details (including name of band, section of band, position played, any grades taken) and also which clef you are most comfortable reading.

Schedule:

11.30: Registration

12.00: Warm-up and Massed Ensemble Rehearsal:

Last Year’s Spotlight culminated with the massed ensemble giving an exciting performance of ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, this year we plan to equally challenge participants with music including a fantastic arrangement of Mussorgsky’s ‘Night On A Bare Mountain’, Deep Harmony and William Tell!

12.45: Chamber music sessions:
Highlighting playing techniques and ensemble skills. Participants work within smaller groups in sessions led by members of Black Dyke Band.

13.30: Celebrity Recital:
David Thornton and Joe Cook present a short recital of new and fascinating repertoire for low brass.

14.15: Coffee Break (refreshments provided)

14.30: In Conversation with Black Dyke Legends:

A chance to meet and ask questions of some of Black Dyke’s former players. This popular session was a highlight of last year’s Spotlight – giving an insight to some of the true characters from Black Dyke history.

15.15: Performance Platform and Massed Finale