An innovative Junior Brass and Brass for Beginners Day at the recent Bolsover Summer School has been hailed as a great success.

Fantastic

Aimed at children aged between 4 and 9, ‘Brass for Beginners’ saw a dozen youngsters each accompanied by an adult, enjoy a fantastic workshop event under the expert tuition and guidance of Foden’s euphonium star Mark Bousie.

Instruments were provided by Bolsover District Council’s community brass band programme with each child getting their hands on either a cornet or baritone for the day.

Emphasis

With an emphasis on interaction and participation, the course was all about enjoyment, with Mark showing them just how much fun could be had through playing – from building confidence and musicianship to listening and singing.

The adults loved every minute too – with at least one parent admitting that he was now going to take up playing too!

Assistance

Brass Bands England Rachel Veitch-Straw will now give additional assistance in helping the enthusiastic children (and parents) access brass instrument tuition through their local schools and community bands.

The adults loved every minute too – with at least one parent admitting that he was now going to take up playing too!4BR

Junior Brass

In addition the ‘Junior Brass’ event was also advertised through local schools and saw 15 youngsters take part – including two who had never played a brass instrument before.

Mark Bousie once again led the way, encouraging and developing the dozen cornet players, euphonium, tuba and trombonist – the youngest aged just 8 and the oldest 18.

The day was aimed at helping young players develop their talents, from practice techniques and performance pointers to instrumental and ensemble skills.

Intensive

Once again the emphasis was on fun, although the intensive day saw each player given the chance to work on pieces they knew and those they didn’t.

The course finished with a well received mini-concert played to the delegates of the main Bolsover Summer School Course.