The young musicians at the Dalmellington Brass Academy recently attended a 3 day summer course based at the organisation's rehearsal headquarters.

Polish and guidance

Organised by senior band members, Karin McKenzie, Lyndsay Brown, Rebecca Wilson, Fiona Kennedy and Euan McNicol, the group worked on a selection of new music such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and Alan Fernie's 'Prismatic Light' to give them insight into understanding and exploring their own emerging potential as players.

After an opening day of getting to grips with things, the inspirational youth conductor Helen Minshall came along to add further polish and guidance to ensure that the startling progress would be continued in the coming months.

Desire

The Scottish Brass Band Association Education Officer, John Boax, worked with the youngsters on the first day of the course and told 4BR that he bowled over not just by the enthusiasm of everyone who took part, but the desire the explore and enjoy new and challenging music.

"The Brass Academy here at Dalmellington is a great example of how one Scottish band is going about building on their foundations for future success,"he said.

"It was wonderful to see the all-inclusive approach — making it fun and educational. It's also one that is wholeheartedly supported by SBBA and we hope other bands will now be inspired to do the same. The players had a great time and so did I."

It was wonderful to see the all-inclusive approach — making it fun and educational. It's also one that is wholeheartedly supported by SBBA and we hope other bands will now be inspired to do the sameSBBA's John Boax

Delighted

A band spokesperson added: "Our thanks go to all those who took part and made it such fun for the senior players too. We've been delighted by the response and it shows that our Brass Academy continues to thrive."