The 2015 Bolsover Brass Band Summer School has become a registered, accredited centre to deliver the Arts Council England’s ‘Arts Awards’ scheme.

Initiative

The initiative with its ‘Discover’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Bronze’ Awards programmes, aims to involve an increasing number of young people in the arts — and in particular, through the Summer School, with brass bands.

It is also hoped that by the Autumn, the Summer School will also be delivering the Silver Award through the work of four trained advisors.

Innovative

The innovative approach affords opportunities within the arts — starting with the entry level ‘Discover Award’ an introductory level of achievement for children and young people aged up to 25.

Meanwhile, the ‘Explore Award’ takes this further as young people collect their arts experiences, whilst the ‘Bronze Award’ reflects active involvement in the arts and skill sharing.

Respected qualification

The different levels reflect an increasing awareness, experience and proactive involvement in the arts — and in brass banding — to result in a recognizable and respected national qualification.

Advisors

Bolsover Brass Summer School has four qualified advisors: Martyn Harris, Mark Wilkinson, Brett Baker and David Morris.

Martyn Harris will take the lead on the programme which can deliver awards centred on performance, events management, photography and film-making, with delegates on the Bolsover Summer School, who are fit the age criteria, able to take part.

Other local children will be able to take their arts awards using the Bolsover Summer School as a centre for its delivery.

The different levels reflect an increasing awareness, experience and proactive involvement in the arts — and in brass banding — to result in a recognizable and respected national qualification4BR

Exciting adventure

Martyn told 4BR: “This is an exciting adventure for anyone to take part in, and to get a certificate at the end justifies all the hard work.

The week will include making a film which will be premiered at the end of course concert using the Summer School Band performing music to accompany it, and the opportunity to meet and interview composer Philip Wilby.

In addition, we can also provide the opportunity to play a brass instrument to non players.”