The Royal Northern College of Music has announced plans to establish a brand new centre for brass offering exceptional tuition and performance opportunities to students.
Philip Jones
Named after the College’s first Head of the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, the Philip Jones Centre for Brass will launch in September 2014 under the direction of the department’s current Head, Professor John Miller.
Philip Jones, who died in the year 2000, was an exceptional trumpeter and one of the leading tutors of his generation. Deeply committed to the achievement of the highest standards in brass teaching and performance, he aimed to elevate brass playing to new and sophisticated levels.
Unique position
John Miller stated: "The RNCM has long enjoyed a unique position in the world of brass, and has produced outstanding alumni in all spheres of activity.
The Philip Jones Centre for Brass will bring everything and everybody together and fulfil a vision, providing the very best opportunities in performance, study and research."
Gourlay and King
With the launch of the Centre, the RNCM will welcome Dr James Gourlay and Professor David King as two new International Chairs in the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion, who will join a roster of recent visiting brass staff including Håkan Hardenberger, Frøydis Ree Wekre and Kristian Steenstrup.
The Centre will also provide opportunities for students to collaborate with the College’s professional partners, including the Black Dyke and Foden’s Bands, and to work alongside students from the RNCM’s School of Composition.
The Philip Jones Centre for Brass will bring everything and everybody together and fulfil a vision, providing the very best opportunities in performance, study and researchJohn Miller
Exceptional
Award-winning trumpeter Alison Balsom, speaking after a recent masterclass at the College, added: "The students are of a truly exceptional standard and, in my experience of teaching internationally, the RNCM is simply one of the best music conservatoires in the world."
