Wigston Band conductor Chris Small has been clocking up the air miles following his appointment at the end of 2018 as the International Musical Director of the Mbale School Band and Ugandan Brass.

Accompanied by his partner and Foresters Brass baritone player Kate Salter, the pair made a 4000 mile trip to Eastern Uganda where they spent a week taking the ensembles through rehearsals, sectionals and individual lessons before the bands embarked on a number of tours around their region.

Away from the School of Music, both Chris and Kate were shown around the town of Mbale by band members as well as being invited into a local village for part of their stay.

Fantastic and humbling

Chris told 4BR: "The whole experience was both fantastic and humbling. What Philip Monk has been able to achieve in Mbale is brilliant and deserves huge credit. The school children are so passionate and enthusiastic about their music."

He added: "Philip requested that we got stuck into some traditional test-pieces, including 'Life Divine' and 'Resurgam', and the band adapted so well to the demands of this music.

I cannot wait to hear how the young people are getting on following our visit and Kate and I look forward to going back out to Uganda again in the near future to continue our partnership.

Our thanks go to Philip who put this all together and for his wonderful hospitality during our stay."

The whole experience was both fantastic and humbling. What Philip Monk has been able to achieve in Mbale is brilliant and deserves huge credit. The school children are so passionate and enthusiastic about their musicChris Small

Benefit

In response, Philip Monk, who founded the Mbale Schools Band said: "We were delighted Chris and Kate made the long journey to Eastern Uganda. Everyone was excited to see the new conductors and many youngsters were given lessons between practices.

I know that the advice and instruction will benefit them for the rest of their playing careers.

I hope that they enjoyed the experience and we all look forward to working with them again in the not too distant future."