The growing banding movement in Japan has been given a timely boost with the news that this weekend will see the second public performance of Neo Brass – a British style brass band formed by former Hammonds Saltaire player Hiroe Tada.

Freelance trainer

Hiroe completed her Masters degree at Salford University a few years ago and later returned to Japan to work for Yamaha as a freelance band trainer and conductor, with the primary aim of actively promoting the enjoyment to be found in playing with a British style brass band.

Succeeded

She has certainly succeeded with the young enthusiasts of Neo Brass, who have already explored the new and traditional music the brass band medium has to offer to such an extent that they will now make their long awaited second public performance following last year's debut with cornet star Iain Culross of the Leyland Band.

Current members of the band include a few players who used to study in UK such as Fumika Kimura, the former Foden’s cornet player.

Current Foden’s baritone star Natsumi McDonald (above) will be featured as the guest soloist at other planned concerts later this year.

I know the young players are equally thrilled to be able to welcome Iain for what promises to be such a wonderful second public performanceNatsumi McDonald

Delighted

The band will be playing Andy Scott’s ‘Madiba’, baritone solo ‘Film’ and Peter Meechan’s ‘Starlight’ as Japanese premieres on Sunday.

Natsumi told 4BR: "I’m delighted to be asked to play with the band when I return home to visit later this year, and I know the young players are equally thrilled with what promises to be such a wonderful second public performance."