The next generation of Belgian brass band playing talent recently got together in the town of Lier for the second gathering of the National Youth Brass Band of Belgium.

The weekend event held builds on the inaugural meeting held last year and saw 50 youngsters work for three packed days under the guidance of conductor Luc Vertommen alongside tutors Lode Violet (cornets), Johan De Win (horns), Wim Lauryssen (trombones), Frederik Leroy (baritones/euphoniums), Guy Audenaert (basses) and Sven Beerens (percussion).

Next Brass

For the first time, there was also a separate group of even younger members working together under the collective name of Next Brass.

Led by Wim Lauryssen and Luc Van Gorp, they rehearsed a varied programme of compositions including Leroy Anderson's 'Trumper's Lullaby' alongside guest soloist Roger Webster, who gave young player Merlijn Goossens, the opportunity to take over his part for the performance.

Spectrum

There was plenty of musical ambition of show for the 'senior' band with conductor Luc Vertommen choosing to work on Gilbert Vinter's 'Spectrum' in addition to original works by Tom Davoren, Kenneth Downie and Goff Richards.

In addition, the players all had the opportunity to work with Roger Webster, thanks to the support given to the course by Jan Jansen and Besson. Roger gave three young cornet soloists the chance to shine alongside him in Joseph Horovitz's 'Concertino Classico', whilst he also thrilled the audience at the end of course concert with his performance of Elgar Howarth's 'Cornet Concerto'.

It was an unforgettable for them to be able to work alongside the tutors and of course the incredible Roger Webster. This inspiration will be of huge benefit to them and Belgian banding as a wholeLuc Vertommen

Another major step

Speaking to 4BR, Luc Vertommen said: "The course was another major step forward to secure the future of Belgian banding based on these talented young players.

It was an unforgettable for them to be able to work alongside the tutors and of course the incredible Roger Webster. This inspiration will be of huge benefit to them and Belgian banding as a whole."