*
banner

Slow but sure approach working in The Netherlands

There are signs of a slow return to some sort of rehearsal normality in The Netherlands — although there is still some way to go according to composer and conductor Geert Jan Kroon.

Kroon
  Geert Jan Kroon is optimistic about the progress that is being made

Dutch composer and conductor Geert Jan Kroon has told 4BR that he believes that brass band musical life is starting to move slowly back to post-COVID-19 normality in The Netherlands.

He told 4BR that bands are now able to rehearse indoors with appropriate social distancing and health and safety measures in place, although this has brought a number of challenges.

Worldwide links

During the lockdown Geert was able to stay in contact with the wider banding movement by linking up with the series of Brass Bands England seminars.

"The webinars were great,"he told 4BR. "I not only learnt a great deal, but it also gave me the drive to try something inventive myself as we prepared to take the first small steps in The Netherlands."

Different experience

Bands were allowed to get back to playing in June — although it was a very different experience as he explained.

"My first post-lockdown outdoor rehearsal was on a Friday evening on a parking-lot of a big local company. It was a very different musical and social experience — although the joy of playing together again was immense.

The week after that we went back inside to rehearse. It did take a great deal of preparation and care to work out how it could be done safely and to figure out how to play together when we were at least 2 meters apart!

It was a great challenge to get the ensemble to play together over this distance, but it does make you listen more to the players and we have been getting better each rehearsal."

Keeping busy

Traditionally Dutch banding takes a Summer break, but Geert kept himself busy by linking up with the digital version of the Allan Withington Conducting Summer School.

"That was great. Allan is such an inspirational musical figure. He doesn't see hurdles, just new opportunities. Taking part gave me another extra boost of confidence."

Bands in The Netherlands can now perform with a 1.5 meter social distance circumference between players, which has meant that most bands have been able to return to their usual rehearsal rooms.

"Fortunately, the restrictions are a bit better now as we can play at 1.5 meters apart. We are looking to do some concerts with a small audience, and with Flevo Brass we are planning a digital festival. So, with small steps, we are getting back to business in a creative way."

Bands in The Netherlands can now perform with a 1.5 meter social distance circumference between players, which has meant that most bands have been able to return to their usual rehearsal roomsGeet Jan Kroon

Nationals

The pandemic has also had a huge impact on composers — including Geert who was to have his latest composition 'The Final Frontier' performed at the 2021 Dutch National Championships in Utrecht.

"I don't think I was alone in having work and performance opportunities cancelled and it was a great disappointment that the world premiere of 'The Final Frontier' will have to wait a little longer now.

However, like other composers it's meant we have had to find new ways to get our music performed — and some of the social media initiatives from bands have been wonderful. I think this is one of the most exciting artistic developments to come out of the crisis."

Opportunities

He added: "Fortunately I also had the opportunity to enjoy working on a project with the Swiss Army Brass Band and Philipp Werlen for 2022.

Next to that, the free time gives my band Soli Brass Leeuwarden the chance to do some recordings of my music and for me to keep my lip in trim with personal practice."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd