This week the staff and the young members of the Manger Folkehogskule Band from Norway have been paying one of their regular visits to the UK to enjoy plenty of brass band music making.

They have linked up with Phil Beckwith of Champion Brass who created a fantastic tour for them, with visits to the Rath trombone factory, the University of Salford and Royal Northern College of Music, listening to a concert with Black Dyke and enjoying the live broadcast of the BBC 2 Radio Young Brass Award.

In concert

They also attended a Brighouse & Rastrick rehearsal and performed in concerts of their own at Dobcross Band Club, Glossop Band Club with guest soloist Brett Baker and Sharrow Parish Church.

They will round their tour off today (22nd) with a concert at the famous Delph Band Club with a programme of music that includes 'Intrada — Ein Fest Burg' to 'Boogie Down' and the finale from 'The Year of the Dragon'.

A host of their talented soloists will also be showcased with Seb Williman, Tage Sunday and Bard Jelsnes, and no less than seven trombonists, percussion and brass ensembles.

Experienced heads

Their Head of Brass is Grethe Tonheim, the renowned trombonist and long term member of European Champion Eikanger Bjorsvik Band, whilst they are being conducted by Manger Musikklag's baritone star Margie Antrobus. They are also joined by brass teacher Helga Vetas and Head of Dormitory Anne-Kari Sylta.

Margie told 4BR: "Although the school is in the heartland of a strong brass band tradition, we are always keen to learn more and give the youngsters the experience of finding out what the passion for brass band music making is like in the UK.

Over the years these trips (they have also been to Wales and other areas) has become invaluable to their education and they do have a fantastic time as the welcome is always so warm and generous. I'm sure we will be back again and again."

Brass band heartland

Manger Folkehogskule (Folk High School) is situated on the island Radoy, one hour west of the city of Bergen — the home area to many of Norway's finest bands such as Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag and Manger Musikklag.

It provides no less than five full time educational courses; Brass Band; Artist: Singer/songwriter; Band: stage/studio; Music production; and Music, living and leisure (a course for young people with special needs).

Founded by Tom Brevik it has been running since 1980 and students come from Norway, Sweden, England and even Ecuador!

Over the years it has produced countless players who have gone on to enjoy a lifetime of music making. In fact, at any one time as many as two thirds of both Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag and Manger Musikklag have attended the school.

Although the school is in the heartland of a strong brass band tradition, we are always keen to learn more and give the youngsters the experience of finding out what the passion for brass band music making is like in the UKMargie Antrobus

Respect

Margie added: "The school is a meeting place for young people of many different backgrounds where everyone gets to know each other. It provides the foundation for an exciting and inspiring environment, but it also places demands for understanding and tolerance; adaptability and flexibility; respect towards yourself, others and the guidelines that the school has for work and social life.

It's all summed up in the school ethos of: "I am a richer human being, I can do more, I know more, I understand more, I care more."