A couple of months ago the Shipston Band received an email from Lisa Hill who together with her husband Adrian runs a highly respected Brass Academy in Singapore.

Extended visit

Lisa works with the younger players whilst Adrian develops the more advanced performers and is also the conductor of their band.

Along with their three daughters the family planned an extended visit to England and wanted to spend some time with a local band.

Happy

Shipston were only too happy to oblige, and as soon as they had arrived they were taken to the bandhall to be kitted out with uniforms and instruments to play with Stour Concert Brass, the organisation's community band.

The timing of the visit has also proved very opportune as they are now also rehearsing with Shipston Town Band in preparation for their performance at the Pershore Midsummer Brass festival.

Adrian played with many top flights bands during his time in the UK — including Desford and Sun Life, but this was the first time his daughters had enjoyed the opportunity to perform with a traditional British brass band.

The timing of the visit has also proved very opportune as they are now also rehearsing with Shipston Town Band in preparation for their performance at the Pershore Midsummer Brass festival4BR

Only too pleased

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This was their first opportunity to play with one and Shipston has been only too pleased to provide them with a taste of what grass roots British brass banding is about!"