Lions Junior Brass recently welcomed the virtuoso quartet ‘Low Tones 'n' Baritones’ for a masterclass and workshop day in preparation for the forthcoming Leicestershire Open Contest.

Performing with the quartet were fourth year students from the Royal Northern College of Music; Matthew Watling, George Bruce, Sarah Lenton and Nicholas Birch

Pizza tea

After sectional and full band rehearsals with 'Low Tones' Harry Bent and Lions' own tutor Steve Barwick, the day culminated with a pizza tea followed by an hour's recital at Sandbach School.

Lions Junior Brass previewed their forthcoming contest programme under MD Tom Hancock, before ‘Low Tones’ took to the stage to wow with repertoire ranging from 'Stingray' and their own arrangement of 'Happy', to Monti's 'Czardas' and the finale from 'William Tell’.

Delighted

George Bruce of Low Tones 'n' Baritones told 4BR: "We were delighted to be given the opportunity to work with such a dedicated organisation.

With ‘Low Tones’ all stemming from their own local community youth bands, it was a great pleasure to be able to lead a workshop and master-class with the Junior Band."

The members were keen to learn and we also had a lot of fun whilst working hardLow Tones, George Bruce

Keen to learn

George added: "The members were keen to learn and we also had a lot of fun whilst working hard. It was a pleasure to conclude the day sharing the stage with Lions Junior Brass in a recital, with them showcasing their programme.

They are sounding fantastic and we wish them the best of luck for their performance in two weeks time."