The Brass in Concert Festival, which will take place at Sage Gateshead on the 15th/16th November has announced details of further additions to its list of weekend attractions.

Guest soloist

Not only will American jazz exponent Chad Shoopman conduct Brass Band of Central Florida in the Brass in Concert Championship, but he will also will appear as the guest soloist in the Saturday night World of Brass in Concert event alongside Cory and Grimethorpe.

Meanwhile, members of Brass Band of Central Florida, many of who play for leading professional orchestras and ensembles will also lead a ‘Swing Masterclass’ to be given as part of the Saturday focus on outreach and education.

Swing Masterclass

BiC Spokesman John Woods told 4BR: "We see the ‘Swing Masterclass’ as a very important development as it offers brass and percussion players of all ages and standards a unique opportunity to work and learn with some of the leading exponents of the art."

The masterclass will take place at Sage Gateshead at 4.30pm on Saturday 15th November, with tickets available on the day.

Coffee Concert

In addition, Dutch contenders Brass Band Schoonhoven will present a free ‘Coffee Concert’ under conductor Erik Janssen at 3.30pm.

John Woods added: "This is another new departure for us and promises to be terrific entertainment for the audience who will also be offered free coffee in a wonderful surrounding."

Youth attractions

Further information on youth events have also been announced with the popular Workshops and Taster Sessions once again an integral part of the first day’s activities, led on this occasion by Philip Harper and stars from the Cory Band.

Further details of all events and attractions can be found at: www.brassinconcert.com from Monday 24th August.

This is another new departure for us and promises to be terrific entertainment for the audience who will also be offered free coffee in a wonderful surroundingJohn Woods

Have a go

John Woods concluded: "Taster Sessions will also be taking place on the Sage Gateshead concourse from 11.00am, encouraging the general public to have a go on a brass instrument.

All this and Action Medical Research Entertainment Youth Entertainment Champions, Seindorf Beaumaris will also be performing at 2.15pm on Saturday under the baton of Gwyn Evans."