The International Tuba and Euphonium Conference has been taking place in Tucson, Arizona this week, ending on Saturday 29th May.

Leading performers

The event takes place every two years and consists of concerts, recitals, presentations, and masterclasses given by leading euphonium and tuba players from all over the world.

Although the majority of featured artists are usually Amercian, this year the United Kingdom was well represented, as was the brass band movement.

British trio

The opening gala concert was given by the Salt River Brass Band directed by Pat Sheridan and featured guest soloists, David Childs, Les Neish and Steven Mead.

David and Les showcased original British works written for them in the form of the Karl Jenkins 'Euphonium Concerto' and Andy Scott's 'Salt of the Earth', whilst Steven provided real contrast performing Thomas Ruedi's arrangement of Tchaikovsky's 'Variations on a Rococo Theme'.

David told 4BR: "It was thrill to perform with the Salt River Brass. They'd clearly worked hard for the concert and under the direction of tuba legend Pat Sheridan, I think all three of us felt in safe hands."

It's been great to hear so much fantastic playingDavid Childs

Gourlay feature

Also featured at the event newly appointed principal conductor of the River City Brass Band, James Gourlay, Black Dyke's Dave Thornton, the RNCM tuba quartet 'Chubazz', baritone diva Helen Tyler, plus Norway and Australia's leading brass band euphonium players, Tormod Flaten and Matt Van Emmerick.

Fantastic playing

David added: "It's been great to hear so much fantastic playing. James Gourlay showed just why he's still regarded as one of the world's leading tuba exponents with a great recital of contemporary works for tuba and tape. Tormod's recital was also a cracker, and the RNCM tuba quartet impressed everyone when they performed at the end of my masterclass yesterday."

Off to Belgium

Currently at Denver airport on route to Brussels to meet Cory for a concert tour of Belgium, David departed the conference early with Dave Thornton's recital and Matt Van Emmerick's solo appearance still to come.

David concluded: "I'm disappointed to be missing Dave and Matt's contribution. I heard them rehearsing earlier in the week and they sounded on great form — I'm sure they'll go down a storm."

Cory will be giving three concerts at Charleroi, Marmady and Kortrig whilst in Belgium. David together with Cory MD Bob Childs, and the band's other soloists will also be giving a masterclass.