The 2020 Brass Band Summer School (BBSS) has announced exciting plans to adopt an inventive new approach for this year's event.
As performing in a conventional brass band setting is not a realistic prospect at present, the BBSS has invested time in developing an online virtual alternative to provide a meaningful experience for delegates.
On-line
Utilising an intuitive on-line interface, the summer school will link to its tutorial staff, together with special guests to deliver a user-friendly online experience that retains brass band performance at its heart.
Euphonium tutor and Co-Director, David Childs told 4BR: "This will not be a Brass Band Summer School as we know it.
For obvious reasons, the element of mixing with friends on a social and musical level will be diminished significantly, but with an impressive roster of artists, combined with exciting innovations and engaging delivery methods, we aim to counter this through a fun and unique learning experience for all."
Find out more now
5 days
This 5 day, online experience will feature daily sectional coaching sessions with David, Owen Farr, James Fountain, Les Neish, Lee Skipsey, Becky Smith and Brian Taylor, as well as virtual rehearsal performances conducted by BBSS Musical Director, Richard Evans.
In addition, a new feature will see daily webinar lectures and live Q&A spotlight sessions with stars such as John Barber, Robert Childs, Philip Cobb, James Gourlay, Tom Hutchinson and BBSS President, Bramwell Tovey.
Face to face
Delegates will also have the opportunity to receive individual face-to-face online lessons with their tutors, who will also perform recitals and delivering masterclasses throughout the week.
The launch of a new solo competition with a prize fund of £500, exclusive to delegates, will provide content for a delegates' solo showcase 'watch party' concert, and an emphasis on education will see Prof Stephen Allen provide a brass band history class, whilst Jonathan Bates will deliver a lecture on composition and arranging.
New work
Every delegate will feature in the BBSS Grand Finale Concert, in which the world premiere of a new work by Jonathan Bates, commissioned by the BBSS in memory of Philip Biggs.
The concert will be video-streamed via social media and, like all the course's recorded content, will be available to delegates until 1st September to allow for self-paced learning and enjoyment.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to receive individual face-to-face online lessons with their tutors, who will also perform recitals and delivering masterclasses throughout the weekBBSS
Time, place and book
The BBSS, partnered by Besson, Prima Vista Musikk and Mango Design, will take place from 10th — 14th August.
Follow the link for detailed:
https://www.brassbandsummerschool.com/information/timetable
Book now at: https://www.brassbandsummerschool.com/book-now
*If you have already paid a deposit to attend the BBSS originally scheduled to take place at Harrogate Ladies College (HLC), you are entitled to a full refund.
Alternatively, this deposit can be carried forward to secure your place on this year's virtual BBSS, or next year's course scheduled to take place as normal at HLC: August 8th -14th 2021.
