Cory MD Philip Harper is enjoying a trip to The Netherlands this weekend to link up with Brass Band Schoonhoven as they prepare for their forthcoming appearance at the Dutch National Championships in Utrecht.

Philip will be working on the set-work, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's, 'Old Licks Bluesed Up', preparing the band for professional conductor Ivan Meylemans, and it's a piece that he knows well, having conducted a memorable performance with Manger Musikklag as their own-choice selection at the 2016 Norwegian National Championships.

Unofficial adjudicator

He will also act as an 'unofficial adjudicator' at the 15th Utrecht Blaast Atelier Pfeiffer NBK Try-out event held in the ZIMIHC Stefanus Theatre in Utrecht, also organised by Brass Band Schoonhoven.

Nine bands from each of the five sections of competition will showcase their preparation on the various set-works: 'Old Licks Bluesed Up' (Championship); 'High Peak' (First Section); 'Sinfonietta — The Town Beneath the Cliff' (Second Section); Viking Age' (Third Section) and 'Second Suite in F (Fourth Section), with Philip offering comments and advice ahead of their last week of rehearsals.

We are all looking forward to Philip's visit. As one of the world's leading brass band conductors we are sure he will offer inspiration and insight that will not only benefit us but also the other bands in the 'Try Out' eventBand spokesperson

Looking forward

A Brass Band Schoonhoven spokesperson told 4BR: "We are all looking forward to Philip's visit.

As one of the world's leading brass band conductors we are sure he will offer inspiration and insight that will not only benefit us but also the other bands in the 'Try Out' event."