The East Anglian Brass Band Association recently held its annual Brass Training Day at the Hewett Academy in Norwich.

Delegates aged 10 and upwards had enrolled for the course which was led by tutors from the Foden's Band with players in two bands — the Andante Band for less experienced players and an Allegro Band for more the more experienced ones. Altogether over 70 delegates enrolled to participate.

Allegro and Andante

The Allegro Band was led by Mark Wilkinson alongside Anna Hughes-Williams, George Thackray, Gary Curtin, Nick Birch and Stewart Baglin. Players in the Allegro Band studied the march 'Imperial Echoes', the Cornish hymn tune 'Salutation' by Kenneth Palmer, Stevie Wonder's 'Sir Duke' and the Peter Graham test-piece, 'Dimensions'.

The delegates also accompanied Mark in his performance of William Rimmer's 'Hailstorm'.

Three young players from a local school were among the players that had enrolled for the Andante Band — the first time they had experienced playing in a formal brass band ensemble4BR

Local players

The Andante Band was led by Anna Hughes-Williams and studied 'A Whole New World' and 'Guava Guy'. The players also rehearsed the hymn tune 'Salutation' and at the end of the day joined the Allegro Band in a massed band performance.

Three young players from a local school were among the players that had enrolled for the Andante Band — the first time they had experienced playing in a formal brass band ensemble.

Association Secretary, Christine Wade reported that the day had been thoroughly enjoyed by all and that several delegates had already contacted her to find out more about next year's course.