*
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    


King

Superbrass Saturday: Good King Wenceslas (trad. arr. Jock McKenzie)

November 21 • One of the most famous festive tunes of all is ready and waiting to be performed in a fantastic series of arrangements.


bbe

Rule changes to Youth Championships

November 21 • Brass Bands England announces rule changes to help competing bands at their National Youth Championship events in 2025 and 2026.


Zorro

Gramercy Music: The Mark of Zorro

November 21 • Time to leave your own 'Mark of Zorro' on audiences as Peter Graham's masked hero is now available to be enjoyed by all bands.


Youth and experience on competitive show in Perth

November 21 • The second weekend of competitive action at the Scottish Festival of Brass will take place in Perth on Saturday and Sunday.


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

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Wardle Anderson Brass Band

Sunday 24 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

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


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 22 • Bilton Silver (Rugby) requires a cornet player to join our Championship Section band (Position negotiable). Under MD Brad Turnbull we have a varied programme of events. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Friday at 7-45pm in our own purpose built bandroom.


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 21 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require one kit and one tuned percussionists plus one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


Goodwick Brass

November 20 • Goodwick Brass is seeking an experienced professional conductor specifically for contests and major concerts. If you're passionate about brass band music and eager to contribute to the success of a dedicated and ambitious band, we'd love to hear from you!


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd