*
banner

International links lead to Swansea

The International Brass Band Summer School continues to attract delegates from all around the musical world

IBBSS
  The International Brass Band Summer School takes place in Swansea

The 30th International Brass Band Summer School course has already captured delegates from all corners of the banding globe for its week at Swansea University between the 2nd — 8th August this year.

Unique

The course has grown into the biggest of its kind and offers a unique opportunity for delegates to work alongside many of the finest brass musicians — led by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs.

As usual there is a superb mix of fun to go alongside the musical education, with a holiday atmosphere that combines great teaching, rehearsing and tutoring alongside activities, interests and relaxation.

World class tutors

The line-up of 2020 tutors includes Richard Marshall, Tom Hutchinson and Chris Turner looking after the cornets, Owen Farr leading the horns, Gary Curtin and Dan Thomas taking care of the euphs and baritones.

Brett Baker is with the trombones and Joseph Cook and Matt Routley taking care of the tubas. The percussion tutors are Neil Edwards, Matt Whitfield and Simon Oliver.

This year will also offer a special attraction for flugel players when Black Dyke's star soloist, Zoe Lovatt-Cooper, will be visiting.

Composer in Residence

Paul Lovatt-Cooper will be making his annual visit as Composer in Residence. However, this year will be made even more special with a new commission written specially for the 2020 Course.

As usual there is a superb mix of fun to go alongside the musical education, with a holiday atmosphere that combines great teaching, rehearsing and tutoring alongside activities, interests and relaxationIBBSS

Skill sets

There will also be the regular visitors from different parts of the banding community too — with a few more added attractions on offer to help banding skill sets.

The course also offers individual en-suite accommodation, breakfast and three course evening meal.

The course has grown into the biggest of its kind and offers a unique opportunity for delegates to work alongside many of the finest brass musicians — led by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs

Secure a place

All you have to do for the moment to secure your place is place a £20 holding deposit!

So why not book early and get in contact directly with Course Administrator Alison Childs at: Alison4horn@btinternet.com

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    


NYGGB

National Youth Band opportunities

May 8 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint new trustees and a librarian to help strengthen the organisation's heritage and future.


Albert Hall

Albert Hall tickets now on sale

May 8 • Tickets for the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall are now on sale.


Band Supplies

Summer deals to grab at Band Supplies

May 8 • There are plenty of great deals to grab at Band Supplies on ex-demo and second hand instruments.


Emergency

BBE to host emergency planning webinar

May 8 • Make sure you have plans in place to protest valuable musical and memorabilia assets if potential disaster strikes.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Ibstock Brick Brass

May 9 • Ibstock Brick Brass are looking for a Solo Cornet, 3rd Cornet, 2nd Horn, Bass Trombone and B Flat Tuba as we move into the second section from 2027. We are a friendly, ambitions and progressive band that rehearse at our own bandroom in Coalville.


Tintwistle Band

May 9 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Brunel Brass Organisation

May 8 • Brunel Brass is looking for a Solo Horn and Back Row Cornet to join our senior band. We are an ambitious, friendly band on the verge of promotion to the Championship Section and recently achieved our highest ever finish at the British Open Spring Festival


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd