Rousing virtual finale for 2020 Brass Band Summer School course

Delegates and tutors joined together to round off a great week of virtual music making on the 2020 Brass Band Summer School Course led by Richard Evans.

Richard Evans was at the centre of things all week!

Monday, 17 August 2020

The 2020 Virtual Brass Band Summer School Course (BBSS) was rounded off with an entertaining 'Grand Finale' concert on the weekend.

Hour long concert

Delegates from around the world were joined by the BBSS tutors for an hour long series of performances and chat.

There were full band items such as the rousing 'Men of Harlech' to open, directed with his usual flamboyant flair by Course Director Richard Evans, to ensemble section features and solo spotlights.

Tutors David Childs, who introduced the evening, James Fountain, Les Neish, Brian Taylor, Owen Farr, Lee Skipsey, Becky Smith and special guest Simone Rebello all performed — as well as members of the British Army Brass Band.

Something for everyone

The music had something for everyone to enjoy — from the fastest 'Irish Washerwoman' you have ever heard to a wonderful new work composed by Jonathan Bates and written in honour of former course administrator Philip Biggs, entitled, 'By Water and the Word'.

The concert was rounded off with a rousing performance of '1812' Overture — with a few extra famous added to the Russian ranks to send Napoleon and COVID-19 packingâ€¦

The innovative approach taken this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic was certainly a great success, with a raft of sponsors supporting the initiative.

My thanks go to everyone who took part and made the 2020 course possible. It was a superb team effort and I'm so grateful to the delegates who really made the week come to lifeDavid Childs

Spirit

Speaking to 4BR, David Childs said that the course showed that the spirit of brass banding was one of cooperation, partnership and inclusivity — even when the players were performing from front rooms, bedrooms, offices and even a few mystery venues!

"My thanks go to everyone who took part and made the 2020 course possible. It was a superb team effort and I'm so grateful to the delegates who really made the week come to life.

The tutors and special guests were outstanding and made it such a memorable, if different experience — but one that showed such a remarkable sense of musical adventure and spirit."

Enjoy the concert

You can enjoy the concert at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpUXB5uL6nk&t=402s

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