The Desford Band will once again undertake a pioneering trip to new brass band lands — as they embark on Friday for a tour of Vietnam.
It marks yet another milestone for the Midland Area band as they continue to forge exciting links in south-east Asia following a number of highly successful visits to Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia over the last few years.
10 day tour
The 33 strong party will leave the UK on the 27th May under the musical direction of Jonathan Pippen, with the ten day visit encompassing concert performances in the capital Ho Chi Minh City as well as Vung Tau, where the band will give a series of master-classes and educational workshops.
Jonathan told 4BR: "Desford has a remarkable touring history — and the connections which have been made over the years in this part of the world have been nothing short of inspirational.
It's a honour to lead them on this occasion and I'm sure that it will once again result in a massive boost to the teaching of brass music in the country. I'm particularly looking forward to the series of masterclasses and workshops. The response that comes from these is simply amazing."
Invitation
The invitation to tour the country has come from Ian Alexander, Director of Music at the British International School in Ho Chi Minh City. Ian has worked closely with the band's former principal cornet player David Smith, who plays with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, to host the visit.
David's father, Peter, has also worked closely with Ian over the last four years to put together the tour itinerary and to make sure all the necessary documentation and logistics are in place.
Special permission
He told 4BR: "It has been a huge undertaking, but Ian has been an amazing help — and we even obtained special permission with the government for our visas for the visit.
This is another wonderful opportunity for the band to make connections to a new part of the banding world — and we are sure that the tour will herald a huge boost to the teaching of brass in the country. We are all looking forward to it immensely."
The band will be able to enjoy plenty of the sights of the country as they visit the main University in the capital and surrounding areas
Landmark event
Peter Smith added: "The trip is a landmark event for a British brass band and I believe it will herald something very special. We have also been very fortunate to gain extensive help and support — and the great lads at Your Logo Here have ensured we look the part with special leisurewear all with our tour emblem and badge."
