The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have announced final details of the Arts Council England-supported youth and education events at this year's 40th Festival.

Workshops & Taster Sessions

The popular Workshops & Taster Sessions will once again be an integral part of the first day of the weekend's attractions.

On Saturday 19th November, Philip Harper and a team of tutors from the all conquering Cory Band will join Yamaha Baritone Artist Katrina Marzella to deliver the workshop learning sessions, with inspirational local music teacher Laura Jackson once again leading the Elementary Group.

At the conclusion the participants will showcase their talents in a free public performance on the Sage Gateshead Concourse, where music such as 'Liberty Bell', 'The Pink Panther', 'By the Cool Waters' and 'Totem Dance' from 'Indian Summer', 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'Amadeus' will be played.

Sign up now

Brass in Concert spokesperson John Woods told 4BR: "Anyone wishing to participate in the Workshop Band should sign up as soon as possible!"

All you have to do is go to: www.brassinconcert.com/event/workshops-and-tasters/

Or e-mail John at: john.woods@satcol.org or call on 07580 187974 or 01934 750700.

Brilliant opportunity

John continued: "Under Philip Harper's fantastic leadership it promises to be a brilliant learning opportunity for players of all ages and abilities — and all held in a quite stunning venue!"

Registration for the workshops commences at 8.45am on 19th November, with places costing just £5.00, which includes lunch.

Taster Sessions will also be taking place on the Sage Concourse between 11.00am and 1.15pm, encouraging the general public to 'have a blow' on a brass instrument.

Wonderful weekend

John added: "This promises to be a wonderful weekend festival of brass, including an exhibition that will reflect upon the 40 year history of Brass in Concert and will profile bands, programmes, soloists and conductors, with photographs, uniforms, trophies and commentary from many of the brass band personalities involved in the event's journey.

Brass in Concert also acknowledges the support of Arts Council England, Joicey Trust and Catherine Cookson Trust in staging these education events."

Yamaha support

Meanwhile, Saturday's 'Focus on Youth & Percussion' is supported by Yamaha, with Natasha Homer of Yamaha's Band & Education Classics Division expressing her delight in supporting the Workshop and Taster events.

"The youth and education events at Brass in Concert are very important in the development of the brass culture in the North East and beyond,"she told 4BR. "Yamaha is delighted to be involved yet again and wish Brass in Concert a successful 40th Festival."

Under Philip Harper's fantastic leadership it promises to be a brilliant learning opportunity for players of all ages and abilities — and all held in a quite stunning venue!Brass in Cocnert

Youth Brass, Black Dyke and James Morrison

In addition, this year's Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Champion, Youth Brass 2000, conducted by Chris Jeans, will perform its winning contest programme in a free concert on the Sage Concourse at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

And to round things off, the unique James Morrison will be featured in concert with Black Dyke to conclude an action-packed day one.

Tickets:

Tickets for World of Brass in Concert, featuring James Morrison and Black Dyke Band on Saturday 19th November, priced £24.00, £18.00 and £10.00

The Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 20th November is priced £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00, and are available from the Sage Gateshead Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or www.sagegateshead.com