*
banner

Eikanger invests in the next generation of Talent

The Norwegian National champion has been inspiring the next generation of talented players in their region

Eikanger
  Some of the talented young players with project leader Stanley Westh

Norwegian National champion Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag recently held the first weekend seminar of their new youth programme, EBML Talent.

An ensemble made up of 11 young brass band players from the band's local area were brought together under the baton of Eikanger's principal cornet Stanley Westh, who is the inspirational lead for the project which has gained funding from donors Trond Mohn, Sparebanken Vest and Frifond.

Challenged

The players were certainly challenged in their playing with the demanding repertoire from various genres — including original brass band music such as 'Labour & Love' to Danish folk music and pop classics like 'All Night Long'.

Later on the same day the ensemble held a short concert to showcase their progress.

Long term approach

An Eikanger spokesperson told 4BR: "With this initiative, Eikanger is helping to implement a long term approach to encouraging and developing youth talent.

This included a workshop with Eikanger's solo Eb tuba player, Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen, who talked through practice techniques, musical outlook and techniques into developing improvisation skills.

Each of the 11 players was also challenged to develop their own solo playing during the next 12 months — the first steps of which will see them perform solos to their fellow players on the next course."

With this initiative, Eikanger is helping to implement a long term approach to encouraging and developing youth talentEikanger Bjorsvik Band.

Invaluable experience

It was revealed that the players have recently been gaining invaluable experience by joining rehearsals with Eikanger-Bjørsvik under the leadership of Reid Gilje. Repertoire that they were part of rehearsing included Philip Wilby's 'Masquerade' and 'Vienna Night' and Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino'.

The players also benefited from individual tuition from senior Eikanger players.

The spokesperson added: "The main short term aim of the EBML Talent project is for the 11 players to be a part of Eikanger's pre-EBBC 2020 concert in Bergen just before the band heads to Palanga."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd