Next month's Virtual Brass Band Summer School (BBSS) has received a major boost with the announcement of several new partner organisations.

Buffet Crampon

The origins of the BBSS were in the Boosey & Hawkes's 'Open College' of 1985, which culminated in a 'Celebrity Summer School' in North London. The course featured the Besson 'Sovereign' and 'Imperial' bands, and the following year, the BBSS was established under the direction of Harry Mortimer.

Thirty-five years later, the BBSS will once again be partnered with Besson, as Buffet Crampon and one of its valued retailers, Band Supplies, are supporting this year's virtual event.

Not only will the course feature Besson artists David Childs, Robert Childs, Owen Farr, James Gourlay, Tom Hutchinson and Les Neish, but also Courtois artist John Barber and B&S artist, Philip Cobb.

Band Supplies

Through the support of Band Supplies and Buffet Crampon BBSS will launch its first ever solo competition with a prize fund of £500.

A spokesperson for Besson told 4BR: "We're delighted to be re-connecting with the most prestigious organisation of its kind in the world. The BBSS and the Besson brand in particular share a natural synergy, with tradition and excellence at their core.

To have the opportunity to join with Band Supplies in supporting this organisation is a privilege."

World of Brass

In addition, the BBSS is also grateful to World of Brass, who has made available a number of its professional recordings for use as resources during the course itself.

A spokesperson for the BBSS told 4BR: "During its development, one of the most important aspects of this year's virtual course has been to find ways for our delegates to play, not just listen.

With the support of World of Brass, we've been able to produce a library of unique conductor-cam band simulation resources.

These will not only provide our delegates with the opportunity to play a wide variety of music whilst following an on-screen conductor, they'll also allow them the opportunity to perform with, and react to, the sound of some world-class bands."

We're delighted to be re-connecting with the most prestigious organisation of its kind in the world. The BBSS and the Besson brand in particular share a natural synergy, with tradition and excellence at their coreBesson

Sign up

You can sign-up to be part of the Virtual BBSS, from 10th-14th August 2020, with 'catch-up' available until 1st September at www.brassbandsummerschool

Once registration is complete instant access to the BBSS dashboard at www.virtualbbss.com will be granted. Here you'll find sheet music and guide-tracks, ready for you to record your contribution to the BBSS Gala Concert, to be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook on Friday 14th August at 7.30pm.

Solo competiton entry

You'll also be able to enter the solo competition and will be met by this message from Musical Director, Richard Evans:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6emqzmshVM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0_MkNgIhkCEzs8_pl69biuIbhJiLhK2VxSKLnD1DaTOv7i5K6cR57WJ3E