*
banner

Willebroek summer school makes local connections

59 players enjoy an inspirational week of brass band learning and performance at the Brass Band Willebroek Academy.

Brass Band Willebroek
  59 players enjoyed a week of inspirational music making.

The third annual Brass Band Willebroek Academy recently took place in the town of Lier on the outskirts of Antwerp.

59 players of all ages and abilities took part in the week-long summer school which showcased the talents of two ensembles: the Willebroek Academy NXT packed with promising young players, and the more senior Willebroek Academy Band made up of more established performers.

Concerts

It also culminated in a brace of local concerts — the first of which took place was an informal open-air event in the town centre, which attracted a large audience of listeners and passers-by.

The second was at the historic Jezuitenkerk which offered a more formal setting to hear established works such as Gilbert Vinter's 'James Cook — Circumnavigator' and Simon Dobson's 'Penlee'.

The Willebroek Academy NXT was led by Wim Lauryssen with an ethos of developing both technical skills as well as enjoyment and enthusiasm, whilst the Willebroek Academy Band under conductor Frans Violet focussed on advancing skill sets and understanding.

The ethos is all about inclusivity and development, led by players of Brass Band Willebroek who give up their time to be a part of the courseBrass Band Willebroek

Ethos

Speaking to 4BR about the course a spokesperson said: "The ethos is all about inclusivity and development, led by players of Brass Band Willebroek who give up their time to be a part of the course.

Our thanks also go to Besson Artist Philippe Schwartz. His approach to the players as well as his playing was inspirational, with his workshops and teaching sessions contributing so much to the course."

4BR was informed that the band is now concentrating on the band's forthcoming international solo competition in October and the Belgium National Championships.

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    


Duncan Beckley MBE

Death of Duncan Beckley MBE

September 29 • The death has been announced of Duncan Beckley, a pioneering figure of inspiration within the banding movement.


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Pemberton Old (Wigan) DW leads the prize winners in a great day of entertainment in Chorley — with section wins for Roberts Bakery, Poulton-le-Fylde, Rivington & Adlington and Driffield Silver.


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

September 29 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd