The second annual Brass Day organised by Jonathan Corry, Head of Brass at Pangbourne College was certainly full of colour, pomp and brilliance.

James Fountain (Principal Trumpet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), encouraged and guided eight trumpeters aged 8-18 in a Trumpet Masterclass, with a varied repertoire of pieces, whilst the first
concert was given by the Guards Brass Ensemble of the Corps of Army Music, conducted by WO C1 Andrew Porter, Bandmaster to the Band of the Irish Guards.

Herald

Later, the Guards Fanfare Team (above) heralded the start of the second concert given by Enfield Citadel Band, conducted by Jonathan Corry, alongside soloists, James Fountain and Finley South-Klein (Tuba), Bethan Smith (Mezzo Soprano), and Sam Turner (Trombone) from Pangbourne College.

The Guards Brass Quintet and Pangbourne College Marching Band also gave performances whilst Brian Turner, celebrity BBC chef, and a former bandsman himself, compered the event.

Sparkling performance

The concert culminated with sparkling performances of Kenny Baker's 'Virtuosity' by James Fountain and Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' accompanied by indoor fireworks, which metaphorically-speaking, raised the roof!

We have all enjoyed sensational performances of a wide variety of music and witnessed the very special combinations of friendship with musicDirector of Music, Roy Raby

Generous

Roy Raby, Director of Music at Pangbourne College told 4BR: "I'm hugely grateful to Jonathan Corry, and to all the professional musicians who have so generously given of their time today to raise £1,335 for the work of the Salvation Army and Royal British Legion.

We have all enjoyed sensational performances of a wide variety of music and witnessed the very special combinations of friendship with music, and school age musicians working alongside professional musicians. What a privilege and what a joy!"