It’s not just the participants at the National Eisteddfod who are enjoying making music this week in West Wales, as players from all around the world are currently based at Swansea University for the annual International Brass Band Summer School.

Global

And much like the global popularity of the Eisteddfod, it’s the worldwide appeal of this brass banding course that certainly keeps course director Professor Nicholas Childs on his linguistic toes.

"It’s great to hear so many different languages and accents!

This year we have 100 musicians gathered from 10 different countries from as far as Barbados, USA, Norway, Switzerland and throughout Europe — not forgetting Wales of course, but luckily the international language that everyone understands is music making."

Learn and relax

The course also attracts players keen to learn as well as relax and enjoy the wonderful Gower peninsula, with Prof Childs particularly delighted that many of the world’s top bands are represented.

"There is a great mix here," he added. "We have players from the world class band such as Eikanger, Brass Band Berner Oberland and Brass Band Melodia from Switzerland, as well as few from Black Dyke, all together with players from community bands and non contesting bands."

Tutors

Those talents are being honed towards a final end of course concert by tutors including Richard Marshall, Gary Curtin, David Thornton, Owen Farr, Brett Baker, Chris Turner and Joseph Cook, whilst support for the IBBS comes from principal partners Besson, World of Brass, Rath Trombones, Kapitol Promotions, Trevada Music, The British Bandsman and GK Design.

The free end of course concert will be held at Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Fulton House on Friday 8th August at 7.00pm, with guest soloists Richard Marshall, Owen Farr and Brett Baker4BR

Sponsor thanks

Course Administrator Alison Childs told 4BR that the support from these major brass band companies is essential for the success of the annual course.

"It shows the importance of the IBBSS that we are able to have a great working relationship with our principal sponsors, as well as the likes of the music publishing houses such as Prima Vista Musikk, Obrasso, Kirklees, Winwood and Wright & Round."

Concert

The free end of course concert will be held at Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Fulton House on Friday 8th August at 7.00pm, with guest soloists Richard Marshall, Owen Farr and Brett Baker.