Brackley & District Band and the Stowe Brass Musicians recently enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to work and perform alongside Besson euphonium artist Steven Mead.

Steven gave a superb afternoon masterclass before taking the stage later the same evening to be the featured guest soloist.

The opportunity came about since the band's Musical Director Micah Parsons once studied under Steven as a young euphonium player.

Wonderful day

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a fantastic day of music making. Following our rehearsal we were joined by musicians from Stowe School for a full band masterclass during which Steven took the baton.

As part of this session he working on two contrasting pieces of repertoire; 'Under Two Flags' written by Bramwell Coles and 'Pound the Streets' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper — works that perfectly illustrated his teaching and brought immediate benefits to the players.

Throughout both sessions Steven was encouraging, helpful in observations and suggestions, and a pleasure to work with."

Throughout both sessions Steven was encouraging, helpful in observations and suggestions, and a pleasure to work withBand spokesperson

Responsive

In response Steve told 4BR: "It was wonderful to meet up with Micah once again and to work with such a responsive set of musicians. The talent on show was amazing, but the desire to learn and improve was startling.

I enjoyed every minute of the day and it was rounded off with a splendid concert at Stowe School."