Lydney Training Band recently held a 'Brass & Percussion' workshop at their home in the Forest of Dean.

The workshop, aided by help from Make Music Gloucestershire and the Arts Council, was predominantly aimed at young learners from the wider region of Gloucestershire, but it was great to see some adult learners also joining in the fun.

Guide

Tenor horn virtuoso Owen Farr expertly guided the day with a wide variety of music, and was assisted by well known cornet star Chris Howley, Flowers talented baritone player Ben Stratford and Tredegar's popular percussionist Steve Barnett (above).

The music selected covered a broad range of styles from simple training band arrangements and Owen's favourite Disney film music to the 2016 Fourth Section Regional test piece.

Inspirational

The day consisted of band rehearsals, sectionals and a finale concert, as well as a quiz based on information supplied by the tutors. A further highlight was an amazing recital by Owen, which was truly inspirational.

It was lovely to see so many youngsters enjoying the atmosphere, learning from the experts and making new friendsOrganiser Kerry Ford

Great success

Organiser Kerry Ford told 4BR: "It was lovely to see so many youngsters enjoying the atmosphere, learning from the experts and making new friends.

Working in sectionals with the tutors provided an ideal opportunity for them to test their new skills and get feedback. It was a great success and one that we would like to make an annual event."