*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 12 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team.. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, performing a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd