*
banner

La Dolce Vita...

Youth Brass 2000 enjoy the good life on tour in Italy....

Youth Brass 2000
  The band relax at the movieland theme park

Youth Brass 2000 has recently returned home from a memorable tour to the Lake Garda area in Italy.

It was the first time since 2019 that the title winning band has been on an extended tour — although it almost didn't happen as after just a few hours on the road their bus broke down amid the rather less beautiful surroundings of the A2 road in Kent!

However, after waiting on the hard shoulder near Gravesend a replacement bus arrived to enable them to head into Europe accompanied by fantastic weather and a great team of adult supporters.

Dep MD

With MD Chris Jeans unable to make the trip, Stephen Bell, who usually directs the Northampton Male Voice Choir and Market Harborough Orchestra, as well as being an associate conductor at GUS Band, stepped in to take the reins.

The tour group stayed in Bussolengo to the southeast of the lake, complete with hotel pool, which due to the weather was in constant use.

The band also presented three outstanding concerts — the first on the hotel veranda as a thank you to their hosts, the second under the scorching sun in the town of Verona in Pastrengo, and in the beautiful lakeside harbour town of Brenzone.

Huge crowd

That concert attracted a huge crowd who enjoyed a complete concert set, including a brilliant rendition of 'Children of Sanchez' by flugel player Jake Humphrey.

Although bad weather meant the band was unable to undertake their final concert looking down on Lake Garda from the town of San Zeno di Montagna high in the mountains, they were still able to enjoy some sightseeing as well as a trip to a Movieland theme park.

Favourite destination

Speaking about the tour, Band Chairperson, Don Collins said: "It was fantastic to be able to visit Italy and to return to what has over the years become a favourite destination for everyone. The welcome we receive is superb."

He added: "Because of the extended Covid-19 break this time was made special as there were many more 'new' players enjoying the Youth Brass 2000 tour experience.

Our special thanks go to Stephen Bell who led the band superbly and we are very grateful to him for stepping in literally a couple of days before we set off. We're already working on next year's tour."

Because of the extended Covid-19 break this time was made special as there were many more 'new' players enjoying the Youth Brass 2000 tour experienceYouth Brass 2000

Thrilled

In response Stephen said: "I was thrilled to be in a position to help out. Everyone was so welcoming and the young musicians were a delight to rehearse and conduct on what was a fantastic trip."

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    


Perth

Three days of competitive music making for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • Two weekends of music making from novices to Championship level will provide three days of action at Perth Concert Hall this month.


Prof Childs

Senzoku Gakuen return for Childs

November 13 • The Black Dyke Band Director of Music returns to Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo to round off trip to Japan in memorable fashion.


City of Cradiff

Hamilton lead for City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)

November 13 • The Bandmaster with The Band of the Prince of Wales is the new Musical Director at City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band.


Allan Ramsay

Ramsay in Unison with Kinneil for Scottish Open

November 13 • Allan Ramsay will make a welcome return to his homeland to lead UNISON Kinneil at the Scottish Open in Perth with the band boosted by new signings.


Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Dobcross Silver Band

November 14 • Dobcross Silver Band are looking for a couple of cornet players. You are rewarded with enjoyable rehearsals, concerts and a progressive contesting band. If you are a team player looking for a change of scenery , get in touch.


Barnsley Brass

November 13 • Barnsley Brass requires an Eb bass player.. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge on the A61 just south of Barnsley.. Rehearsals are Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm in our purpose built bandroom..


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 12 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require a kit percussionists and one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd