Sunshine and blue skies boded well for the recent Brass & Percussion Workshop run by the Yorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association.

With students from as far as Northumberland and Nottingham converging on Minsthorpe Community College, Nr. Pontefract, the day was led by tutors from Grimethorpe Colliery Band under course leader Stan Lippeatt.

Sponsors

The popular annual workshop is sponsored by Grimethorpe and the Grass Roots Fund of Wakefield, and attracted 100 students ranging in age from 8 year old Matthew Lawrance to 75 year old Max Townsend.

Course Leader, Stan Lippeatt, chose a varied programme of music from the 'Midwest' march and 'Stal Himmel', through to 'Call of the Clans', and 'Horizons'.

The students also had the opportunity to accompany Michael Dodd and Stan Lippeatt as well as trombonist Gary MacPhee.

The popular annual workshop is sponsored by Grimethorpe and the Grass Roots Fund of Wakefield, and attracted 100 students ranging in age from 8 year old Matthew Lawrance to 75 year old Max Townsend4BR

Rehearsals

Sectional rehearsals were led by Rob Westacott, Kevin Crockford, Stan Lippeatt, Barry Thompson, Michael Dodd, Gary MacPhee and Ray Sykes, whilst John Watterson coached the students and passed on their enthusiasm and musical expertise.

The day culminated with a concert of the music studied for assembled relatives and friends and also included two items by the tutors.

Smiles

There were plenty of smiles of satisfaction on the faces of students, and thanks went to the tutors, course leaders and Peggy Tomlinson, President of the YHBBA, for organising the course.

One delegate commented: "This is the highlight of our year. The facilities are excellent and to have the opportunity to work with tutors from Grimethorpe is wonderful. We can’t thank the organisers enough and we look forward to the next one."

Further details

Details and application forms will be available on the website www.yhbba.org.uk when the next workshop is confirmed.