*
banner

Harrogate set to welcome last of Summer School delegates

Players will head to Harrogate Ladies College this coming week for a week of musical challenges and attractions.

Harrogate
  Besson will be supporting the course

The last of the major brass band summer schools take places this coming week in Harrogate when delegates enjoy being part of the Brass Band Summer School led by Dr Robert Childs.

It takes place at Harrogate Ladies College from Tuesday 8th August to Friday 11th, with non-delegates able to visit on Thursday 10th August to enjoy a flavour of what takes place and to attend the evening concert.

Leading tutors

Tutors include many of the leading performers from the brass band movement and beyond — including David Childs, Owen Farr, Les Neish, James Fountain, Chris Bradley, Becky Smith, Matthew McCombie, Zoe Lovatt-Cooper and Mike Cavanagh.

Delegates will perform in one of two bands — the Imperial and Sovereign ensembles with a wide range of repertoire to explore and enjoy, including 'Penlee' by Simon Dobson, 'Connotations' by Edward Gregson, 'Triumphant Rhapsody' (Vinter) and 'Lions of Legends (Thierry Deleruyelle).

Support

Support comes from Besson Musical Instruments who will be in attendance all week to showcase their full range of instruments, as well as Band Supplies who will attend on Thursday.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are the oldest summer school course and continue to offer a truly unique musical experience aimed at players who really want to extend themselves and develop as musicians.

There is a warm welcome, plenty of fantastic music and the opportunity to learn from the very best."

We are the oldest summer school course and continue to offer a truly unique musical experience aimed at players who really want to extend themselves and develop as musiciansspokesperson

Besson commitment

A Besson spokesperson added: "We are proud to continue our partnership with the original and largest of our summer schools we support — and to continue our commitment to summer schools across Europe.

The world's best brass musicians and Besson artists gather in a common atmosphere of enjoyment to work with talented delegates from around the world.

Our instruments are on display at events throughout Europe, but you rarely get the chance to relax and experience them in person. We also offer the opportunity to explore our factories in Virtual Reality, learn about our brand's history, and ask the questions you really want answered!"

Course details

Brass Band Summer School
Harrogate Ladies College
8th -11th August

Open day:
Thursday 10th August

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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band

January 20 • Sadly due to relocation, we’re on the lookout for a euphonium player to join the band and compete with us in the first section areas at the end of March.


Flookburgh band

January 20 • Flookburgh band are a friendly motivated band in the south lakes, Cumbria . We have a vacancy for trombone/ bass trombone. We are newly promoted to the 2nd section and have a busy season of engagements ahead.


Crewe Brass

January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd