Over a hundred young brass players from local music services and brass bands in South Wales recently joined together at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot, for a day of exciting tuition with horn star Owen Farr.

Imagination

Organised by Simon Howell and the West Glamorgan Music Service, the day incorporated an entertaining introduction to brass music making, with Owen capturing the imagination of the eager group of fledgling musicians.

Weaving his way though musical history with the aid of virtuosic examples from Roman battle trumpets to ‘Rule Britannia’ with the help of a post horn gallop on hose and funnel, the enthusiastic youngsters were hooked from the very first note played.

Performing

A second session focused around performing. Aimed at investigating effective practise methods, Owen’s style of delivering complicated ideas and concepts in an engaging and entertaining way made the session a success.

Delegate’s skills were also developed through direct participation; both individually and as a group, in a variety of exercises and experiments, before being harnessed in a performance class, where they performed solos with accompanist Gareth Thomas.

It's been a unique opportunity for our students to learn from a world class playerOrganiser, Simon Howell

Transformed

Willingly occupying the 'hot seat' were Ffion Morris (cornet), Gareth Thomas (soprano), Tim Perkins (cornet), Jacob Clarke (trombone) and Dan Lewis (trumpet); all of whom saw their playing transformed through the horn star’s insightful advice.

Event organiser and Cory tuba soloist Simon Howell told 4BR: "We're very lucky to have secured the services of a soloist of Owen's calibre. It's been a unique opportunity for our students to learn from a world class player.

From all the staff and students at West Glamorgan Music Service we'd like to say a massive thank you for his efforts and inspiration."