Viba bondebrass, a project youth band based in Jæren in Norway has just released its first music video — overcoming the many challenges that the current COVID-19 has posed on musicians young and old.

The ensemble was originally formed in 2014 by former Black Dyke and Grimethorpe Colliery solo horn player Arfon Owen and Tarjei Hummelsund as a way of connecting smaller school bands in the rural farming districts of the county.

Since then they have collaborated on many projects, including competitions, where they have enjoyed impressive results, as well as concerts.

First video

However, they have now added to their list of achievements with the release of their first music video — originating from a concept that arose from discussions between Arfon and Birgitte NjÃ¥, who now runs the VibÃ¥ project.

Speaking about the project which consists of members from Frøyland, Lye, Rosseland and Vigrestad Skolekorps, Arfon told 4BR: "We had rehearsed this piece to perform at a regional competition in March, which was obviously cancelled due to the Coronavirus crisis.

We felt disheartened that the band had spent so many hours rehearsing the music, and had no chance to perform it, so we decided to create this music video".

Partnership working

Arfon had worked alongside two very talented sound engineers, Ole and Otto Ljosdal on a livestream concert in March, and was so impressed by their work he then asked them to record the project alongside their friend Elias Sundvoll, who did the camera work.

The piece itself was written by Eikanger percussionist, Svein Fjermestad, who is originally from Jæren and describes the unique character of the county, over four movements.

Although the bands were not allowed to rehearse together whilst initial discussions about the project were underway, so both Arfon and Birgitte were initially tentative about whether it could actually be achieved.

However, all band members continued to receive weekly individual tuition online, while the organisers were hoping to see some relaxation of regulations to see the project through to completion.

Thankfully, the continued discussions with heads at the culture school, along with the county's chief medical officer, ensured that all regulations were followed — a challenging process for everyone involved.

The children performed absolutely fantastically, having not played together since MarchArfon Owen

Set into action

In June, the Norwegian Government stipulated that up to 50 people could meet together, so the project was set into action and as Arfon said: "The children performed absolutely fantastically, having not played together since March.

They went straight into an intense six hour recording session and were on location for six hours on the day after to perform brilliantly."

Enjoy

The end result can be viewed via Youtube at: https://youtu.be/1XgmRYJ8BKw