Black Dyke's Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs has just returned from Japan after leading an intensive 10 days of rehearsal preparation working with the students of the Senzoku Gakuen Music College.

Insight

The brass band faculty at the college is led by the remarkable Professor Takeo Yamamoto (above) and the distinguished Masanori Fukuda, and the visit gave the Black Dyke conductor an insight into the inspirational work that goes on at the world renowned institution.

"Senzoku is unique," he told 4BR. "The degree of professionalism and commitment to music making that is inspired by Professor Takeo Yamamoto through its brilliant brass bands, four symphony and wind orchestras is something to be amazed by."

Music making

Although Dr Childs was helped throughout his visit by the wonderful translation talents of Assistant Band Director Naoya Takizawa, the international language of music making broke down any linguistic barriers.

"The students were incredibly responsive and hard working — and so eager to learn. There was no language barrier to overcome as soon as we started to rehearse."

Concert finale

The ten day stay culminated in a performance at the magnificent Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, where he conducted the College ‘Elite Band’ in Peter Graham's ‘Windows of the World’, with Professor Takeo Yamamoto directing the ‘Intermediate Band’ in Edward Gregson's ‘An Age of Kings’.

In the second half, the packed audience showed their appreciation following the combined 140 strong band performances of works by Verdi, Saint Saens, and Tchaikovsky, which included a roof raising addition of 20 Herald Fanfare Trumpeters together with the sound of the huge auditorium organ.

The students were incredibly responsive and hard working — and so eager to learn. There was no language barrier to overcome as soon as we started to rehearseDr Nicholas Childs

Grateful thanks

As Dr Childs added: "That was some finish to say the least, and the ovation the students received showed just how much their excellence was appreciated.

It was wonderful to be a part of it and my grateful thanks to go all my hosts who made me feel so welcome."