A former student who took some of her first brass banding steps as a player on the Jena International Summer Brass Band Camp (ISBBC) in Germany, has returned as a tutor to help inspire the next generation of young performers.

Anabel Voigt recently returned in her new role, seven years after she first played tenor horn on the course as a fledgling player.

Anabel recently gained her Masters at the RNCM in Manchester after graduating from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. When she was studying in the UK she enjoyed successful tenures with Tredegar and Hammonds.

Varley link

Fellow horn player Helen Varley, who has been a tutor on the ISBBC since 2018, told 4BR that Anabel's return is a fantastic endorsement of its ethos.

"Anabel is a brilliant, inspiring role model for upcoming horn players in Germany. When I first came to teach in 2018, my brief was clear: Help us to build a first generation of good tenor horn players in Germany.

One of those young participants was Anabel. Following that experience, she took advice to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where I was fortunate to be able to tutor her directly.

Anabel was one of the most fabulous students I ever had — dedicated, hard working and full of enthusiasm, so having her return as a tutor herself is simply wonderful."

Anabel joined Helen, Frank Vantroyen, Sven Lerchenberger, Andrea Hobson and Alexander Richter to inspire over 50 players — from young beginners to experienced musicians with a mix of rehearsals and masterclasses, individual and ensemble development, all leading to a final concert performance.

Anabel was one of the most fabulous students I ever had — dedicated, hard working and full of enthusiasm, so having her return as a tutor herself is simply wonderfulHelen Varley

Combination

Reflecting on the success, ISBBC Artistic Director Alexander Richter told 4BR: "What makes our course special is the combination of professionalism and warmth.

The participants grow not only as musicians, but also as people — and you can feel that in every rehearsal and every concert, and our special thanks go to our supporters and partners — such as Besson and Buffet Crampon — who make this possible."

2026 course

The next International Summer Brass Band Camp has already been announced from 2nd-7th August 2026, with players of all ages coming together at the KiEZ 'Am Filzteich' in Schneeberg.