*
banner

Porthouse leads Cornish Youth in festive workout

The Cornish Youth Brass Band enjoyed a post Christmas workout on their annual residential course under the baton of Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse.

Ian Porthouse
  Ian Porthouse put the talented young players of the Cornish Youth Brass Band through a post Christmas workout.

42 young musicians recently cut short their Christmas festivities to get together at Truro High School for Girls for the annual four day residential course of the Cornish Youth Brass Band, under the baton of guest MD, Ian Porthouse.

Third visit

Ian was making a welcome third visit to lead the musicians aged between 12 to 19, as they worked intensively on a varied programme from the classic test-piece, 'Labour and Love', to more recent compositions, such as 'Shine as the Light' by Peter Graham and 'Fire in the Blood' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

World premiere

The course also saw the world premiere of a new work entitled, 'Characters', which Ian brought with him by the Austrian composer, Stefan Unterberger. A former graduate of the University Mozarteum in Salzburg, Stefan also plays horn with the current Austrian champion, Brass Band Oberosterreich.

In 2008 Ian also conducted the Cornish Youth Brass Band in the world premiere of 'Penlee', by Simon Dobson, which has gone on to be played all over the world, and has been chosen as the Championship Section set-work for the 2017 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.

It was also revealed that the Intermediate Section set-work for the event will be a commission from another talented young Cornish composer, with 'Smoke Sketches' by former band member Daniel Hall.

Ian was joined by his wife, Leanne, and son Harry, who became a honourary member of the cornet section.

Excellent teaching

"Cornwall continues to produce a never ending stream of excellent young players,"Ian told 4BR. "That's testament to the excellent community band teaching that takes place and the enthusiasm and dedication of the young players.

My thanks got to everyone involved in organising yet another memorable course, especially Secretary Philip Hunt and the outstanding team of tutors and conductors led by Darren Hawken and assisted by Aaron Harvey. It's always a joy to come down to work here."

Cornwall continues to produce a never ending stream of excellent young players. That's testament to the excellent community band teaching that takes place and the enthusiasm and dedication of the young playersIan Porthouse

Presentation

The end of course concert was held at St Michael's Church, Newquay, attended by the local Mayor and a large and appreciative audience. During the concert a presentation was made to Phillip Hunt, who was stepping down as Secretary of the Band after 13 years in the post.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd