Brass banding in North America will see a major boost this summer with the launch of the North American Brass Band Summer School (NABBSS)

Between 28th June and 8th July, the NABBSS event will be hosted in the dynamic waterfront city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Major development

The summer school is a major new development supported by the Buffet Group and Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society.

The innovative structure, incorporating the very best features of successful models long established in the United Kingdom and Europe, NABBSS will also involve a unique additional element.

Unique

As well as receiving a full week of world class tuition from highly respected Buffet Group soloists, NABBSS delegates will also combine together with an international cast of 2000 performers, playing to a collective audience of over 60,000 people in the world’s largest annual indoor show, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo(RNSIT).

Course leaders

Guiding delegates will be Course Director, Principal Conductor of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Dr. Robert Childs, assisted by the international NABBSS tutorial team of Dr. Roger Webster (cornet), Helen Harrelson (horn / baritone), David Childs (euphonium), David Martin (trombone) and Dan Perantoni (tuba).

NABBA President Dr. Stephen Allen will also be on hand as part of the academic staff provision, with RNSIT Assistant Director Craig Roberts acting as Administrative Director to the initiative.

The NABBSS staff will guide delegates through their preparations for performances in the RNSIT, as well as then being on hand to offer performance masterclasses, concert preparation and exploring the latest brass band repertoire, provided to NABBSS by leading publisher Prima Vista Musikk.

Royal Tattoo

"We’ve always admired the incredible performing standard of British style brass bands," Tattoo Artistic Director, Doctor Colonel Ian Fraser told 4BR.

"We’ve previously featured a number of brass bands in the show, but to establish our own brass band summer school together with Dr. Childs and the Buffet Group, will allow us to offer individual brass musicians from across the world the opportunity to gather here in Nova Scotia.

It will enable them to participate in a world famous show, and illustrate to tens of thousands of Canadian and visiting audiences the incredible level of performance they have achieved."

Enjoyment

Speaking on behalf of NABBSS, Dr Robert Childs told 4BR: "Having been involved with brass band summer schools for over thirty years I know how much fun and enjoyment they can be.

This particular summer school has the exciting added bonus of offering delegates the opportunity to share their music with a huge, appreciative audience. I'm sure it will be a fantastic week for all involved."

This particular summer school has the exciting added bonus of offering delegates the opportunity to share their music with a huge, appreciative audienceDr Robert Childs

Registration

Registration for NABBSS is now open and all information on the summer school and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo can be found at the NABBSS website www.nabbss.com

Additional links are also available on the site for twitter and facebook feeds containing up to the minute NABBSS news.