The Laidlaw Music Centre at the University of St Andrews in Scotland will launch their free flagship StAMP outreach project this July.

All ages and abilities

Standing for the St Andrews Music Participation, StAMP will be launched with an online brass camp which will welcome participants of all ages and abilities from around the world to play together with The Wallace Collection, the University's Ensemble in Residence, as well as a range of experts and acclaimed soloists.

These will include Marco Blaauw (trumpet) and Christine Chapman (horn) from the Cologne based Ensemble Musikfabrik, and Ian Bousfield (former Principal Trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic)

Trio of dates

The camp will run on 11th, 18th and 25th July, and will also include sessions from renowned brass experts Trevor Herbert (Royal College of Music), Arnold Myers (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Peter Holmes (European Music Archaeology Project).

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Bede Williams, Head of Instrumental Studies, University of St Andrews, told 4BR: "The camp will include stimulating discussions that simplify many often over complicated ideas about how brass instruments work and how we play them, as well as presentations of new research into the archaeology of brass instruments and their place in society and culture.

In addition to ensemble playing, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of tutors and interact with each other, and everyone will have the chance to record a contribution to the final virtual concert."

Free trumpets

Dr Williams stated that the brass camp will also offer any child from Fife, Clackmannanshire, Perth & Kinross and Tayside the opportunity to start learning the trumpet at home.

Participants will have a polycarbonate trumpet delivered to their address, and begin their learning with 'Discovering Brass', a pioneering method of teaching brass developed by The Wallace Collection.

At the conclusion of the brass camp, arrangements will be made for anyone who wishes to continue learning at no cost.

Excited

The initiative has certainly excited Professor John Wallace, Honorary Professor of Brass, University of St Andrews, who said: "An exciting new world of learning music is opening up before our eyes and ears — the future is bright!"

4BR was informed that StAMP and the Brass Camp has been made possible by an anonymous philanthropic gift. The initiative has many strands that coalesce into the broad aim of raising aspiration, attainment and wellbeing by providing opportunities for joyful music making.

The project will primarily focus on brass playing in Fife, though will disseminate research about new models of teaching brass and brass performance.

The initiative has many strands that coalesce into the broad aim of raising aspiration, attainment and wellbeing by providing opportunities for joyful music makingorganisers

Fantastic opportunity

Ellen Thomson, Head of Outreach, University of St Andrews told 4BR: "The StAMP Brass Camp is a fantastic opportunity for local children to take their first step in music.

By receiving an instrument and lessons completely free of charge, we hope that StAMP will help young people focus on something positive during this challenging period.

It's a perfect time to learn an instrument and develop a new skill in a supportive and nurturing digital environment."

More information:

For more information or to register to attend visit: https://stamp.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/brasscamp/