A bursary award funded by the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association (GBBA) has helped Flowers player Alec Banner develop both his percussion and conducting talents.

Alec is a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and in enabling him to attend the organisation's annual course, it also saw him take the baton under the mentorship of the renowned orchestral conductor Martyn Brabbins.

Grateful

Alec told 4BR: "Each year these courses just get better and better and I am so grateful to the GBBA for helping me attend them.

This course was particularly special, not only because I had the huge privilege of being selected to be co-principal of the percussion section, but also as I qualified to compete in the Harry Mortimer solo competition.

Performing at the Royal College of Music under the baton of Martyn Brabbins for the second time was awe-inspiring, and then being invited to take the baton in his masterclass was incredible."