4BR has been told that this year's Brass Band Summer School (BBSS) is to be packed with content to provide delegates a memorable on-line experience.

The real-time course will take place over five days from August 10th — 14th, but has been designed with an all-important recorded element, allowing delegates to tailor their individual schedule as they wish.

Any time any place...

This will be delivered by the renowned line-up of tutors and will be accessible by delegates at any time, from any time-zone during a three-week period from 10th August — 1st September.

All activities, including sectionals, masterclasses, lectures, recitals and concerts, will be recorded and archived at the conclusion of each session for delegates to enjoy (and take part in) at their own convenience allowing for self-paced learning and enjoyment.

Variety of music

The Summer School has also released the repertoire tutors will be working on during the course, selected by Musical Director, Richard Evans, who told 4BR: "During each day our tutorial staff will be working with delegates on a variety of music, before joining me for virtual rehearsal performances.

They will have the opportunity to play five beautiful hymn settings and five marches, including 'Punchinello', 'Under the Double Eagle' and 'Stars and Stripes'."
Revealing more of his selections, Richard added: "All the hymn tunes and marches are favourites of mine.

As we progress it will become clear that there is more to playing a hymn tune than simply playing the notes, and although we won't be expecting band members to march around their homes, we will be attempting to capture the true style of the marches — and instil something of that essential 'swagger'."

Extended works

Five extended works have also be chosen: Dean Goffin's 'Rhapsody in Brass', Stephen Roberts' arrangement of Holst's 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets', Gilbert Vinter's 'Triumphant Rhapsody', 'Ex Terra Lucem' by Jonathan Bates, Edward Gregson's 'Dance and Arias'.

Richard concluded: "The repertoire I've selected is very mixed in its style and difficulty. The extended pieces will test every player, myself included, but the nature of this unique course should make it a rewarding experience for all.

These are wonderful pieces of music that can be enjoyed in our own homes, at our own pace, without the stress of a public performance to worry about."

During each day our tutorial staff will be working with delegates on a variety of music, before joining me for virtual rehearsal performancesRichard Evans

Socially distanced content

Prior to the course, those registered will also have the opportunity to take part in a number of socially distanced BBSS video recording projects, providing content for the BBSS Grand Finale Gala Concert on 14th August, including the premiere of a new work composed by Jonathan Bates in memory of former BBSS Administrator, Philip Biggs.

Taster

The BBSS tutors have already been busy having some fun with their own socially distanced performance, which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Hm8w_SdPsVw

For more information including timetable, FAQs, and how to book your place, visit: www.brassbandsummerschool.com or email admin@brassbandsummerschool.com