*
banner

Cutt's Irish cream lapped up in Enniskillen

Prof Garry Cutt and his team of tutors inspired the music making on the recent Fermanagh/Tyrone Brass Band Summer School.

Fermanagh
  The outside concert brought a great response from the local audience.

Over 70 performers of different ages and abilities certainly enjoyed their musical experiences on the recent Fermanagh/Tyrone Brass Band Summer School.

They came together for annual course under the baton of Prof Garry Cutt and his team of outstanding tutors. The participants were from all parts of the island of Ireland — Cork, Limerick and Wexford to Belfast and Carrickfergus and all points in-between.

Playing and fun

Delegates enjoyed days packed with individual, sectional, full band tuition and rehearsals, as well as workshops and performance opportunities. As always there was also plenty of time to relax and have fun — from quizzes to a Whit Friday contest and the traditional treat of the Tutor Soloist Showcase.

The repertoire covered a wide variety of genres and styles with the players also getting the chance to work with Ronan McKee on African drumming.

In addition, time was spent with the likes of tutors Dewi Griffiths, Tom Smith, Owen Farr, Amy Ewen, Mick Marshall and Les Neish and Ronan McKee, with the event rounded off with a wonderful concert appearance to a packed audience at St Macartin's Cathedral Hall in Enniskillen.

Great success

Speaking to 4BR, Course Director Stephen Crooks said: "This year's course was a great success. To see delegates from all corners of Ireland represented and with a wide participant age range of 7 to 83 was especially heartening.

Garry Cutt was a quite fantastic lead as Course Musical Director and his team of tutors were superb. Everyone came together to make music in a relaxed environment, making new friendships along the way.

A highlight though was bringing everyone to the middle of the town in Enniskillen and performing for the public on Saturday afternoon with the sounds of the brass ringing through the town. The response we had was amazing."

A highlight though was bringing everyone to the middle of the town in Enniskillen and performing for the public on Saturday afternoon with the sounds of the brass ringing through the town. The response we had was amazingStephen Crooks

Thanks

He added: "We would also like to publicly thank the event sponsors and business who donated to us.

Without the likes of Besson Musical Instruments, Fermanagh and Omagh District Councils, Arts Council of the Northern Ireland, Konig and Meyers Music Stands, Mercer & Barker and Pennie Music this course would not be possible."

4BR was informed that plans are now underway for the 2025 course and other events throughout the year.

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    


Oldroyd

Oldroyd interest boosts ethos

February 6 • The new range of Oldroyd instruments is already making a mark.


UniBrass

Welsh youth to perform at UniBrass Championships

February 5 • The South Wales Youth Band will provide extra entertainment ahead of the results at the UniBrass Championships in Cardiff next weekend.


Artistic

NYBBGB looks to next generation Artistic lead

February 5 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint a new Director of Artistic Planning.


Northop Silver

Wyss to lead Northop numbers in Swansea

February 5 • Thomas Wyss will lead Northop Silver and its new signings at the Welsh Regional Championships


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 7 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Newstead Brass - VALENTINE'S VARIATIONS

Sunday 9 February • Ashwood Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield. Nottinghamshire Ng17 7ab


Chinnor Silver

February 7 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets on a Monday morning and we welcome any players who would like an extra blow.. players of all abilities welcome and we do not expect you to alter your allegiance to your band.. just a fun blow with cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

February 5 • Wantage Band (championship section) has a vacancy for TOP 2ND CORNET. This would suit a player with experience in a championship/first section band. Rehearsals take place every Sun 7:30pm and Wed 8pm in Wantage with highly experienced MD Chris King.


Haverhill Silver Band

February 4 • Haverhill Silver Band (champ section) seeks a BACK ROW CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond. Applications to join after the area contest also considered.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd