There was plenty of great playing on show at the recent West of England Bandsman’s Festival in Bugle, with one of the most encouraging performances coming from the young players of Lanner Brass Academy.

Formed only four years ago, the Academy has since built in strength — entering the Training Section event in 2012 and going on to win the title last year.

Return

On the weekend they returned to take their first steps in the Fourth Section contest, and were delighted to come fourth out of eleven senior competitors, playing Malcolm Arnold’s ‘Little Suite For Brass No1’.

Progress

Academy Manager, Lee Rouse told 4BR: "We wanted to carry on the great progress we have made, so decided to compete in the Fourth Section this year.

We are delighted at the result and the comments made on our performance by adjudicator Ian Porthouse. Our young players certainly rose to the occasion."

Average age

Lee explained: "Nearly all of our members have been trained through the Academy, and the average age of our cornet section was just 11 years old!

Our principal cornet Siana Rouse is only 10 and you can imagine how delighted our players were after they read the comments about their playing."

Nearly all of our members have been trained through the Academy, and the average age of our cornet section was just 11 years old!Academy Manager, Lee Rouse

Incredible

Musical Director, Philip Matthews was also delighted with the way his young band performed. "The effort put in over the last few months has been incredible," he said. "I’m so proud of what they have achieved."

He added: "We are fortunate to have a good team of tutors as well as being able to draw on the experience of the Academy’s Musical Advisor Stuart Chappell who also conducts the Championship Section Lanner & District Band."