*
banner

Houlding and Varley inspire on Jena Summer camp

Two leading British musicians help inspire brass talent in Germany.

Houlding and Varley
  Chris Houlding and Helen Varley inspired delegates from all over Germany

Two leading brass musicians have helped inspire players from all corners of Germany after joining forces for a special 'Summercamp 21' in Jena.

Chris Houlding and Helen Varley were the invited guest lecturers, with Chris telling 4BR: "I have to say that it was a fantastic musical experience — one based on incredible commitment from all participants with bags and bags of dedication, zeal and passion."

Inspirational

The course was organised by the brass music association Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V., a non-profit organisation that is home to four brass bands (Brass Bands BlechKLANG and VielKLANG, Jugend Brass Band BlechKLANG and Junior Brass Band KLANGwelt), as well as its own orchestra school KLANGwelt and the competence centre for brass bands.

The Creative Director is the inspirational figure of Alexander Richter, who together with the Orchestra Director Katrin Weber and an international team of lecturers and supervisors, has developed the concept, which built on last year's successful 'Summer Brass Band Camp'.

Helen Varley told 4BR: "The enthusiasm of everyone involved was really overwhelming — it just had so much energy. It was a great pleasure to experience this first hand at such a wonderfully organised event."

Opportunity

More than 70 participants took the opportunity to be a part of the new six-day venture which combined tutti, sectional, ensemble and individual rehearsals, as well as various leisure activities.

There was a wide variety of repertoire on offer; from classic Salvation Army pieces to popular entertainment works, test pieces, various film scores and also classical transcriptions.

The enthusiasm of everyone involved was really overwhelming — it just had so much energy. It was a great pleasure to experience this first hand at such a wonderfully organised eventHelen Varley

Positive

Alexander told 4BR: "This gave plenty of music to explore and enjoy and it was fantastic that it could be done with Chris and Helen who brought so much experience and talent to inspire the delegates.

The atmosphere throughout the course was incredibly positive. The sense of community and togetherness across all age groups and the will for permanent development are the factors that make our entire structure something very special.

Our special thanks go to all the supporters and partners such as Besson, Denis Wick, the Sparkassenstiftung Jena-Saale-Holzland and the MAXX Hotel Jena — who made this possible."

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd