Over 50 players of all ages and abilities recently gathered in Schneeberg, Germany for the seventh International Summer Brass Band Camp (ISBBC), organised by the Jena Brass Band Competence Centre.

Players of different ability levels and experience worked under an international teaching team led once again by Helen Varley, the highly respected tenor horn player and Professor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire who has been associated with the initiative for some years.

Good basic skills

Reflecting on this year's event she said: "It's been fantastic to see these young players develop over the past few years. Those little beginners are now flourishing teenagers! They really know how to teach brass well in Germany — really good basic skills."

The essential mix of experience is also something Helen singles out: "This is a really great organisation where each child looks after those younger than them, and in return the children visualise from day one where they are heading. It's great to see them progress year on year!"

Ethos

It's an ethos that this year brought together a teaching team of Helen alongside Armin Bachmann, trombone professor at the Franz Liszt School of Music in Weimar, percussionist Sven Lerchenberger and horn player Anabel Voigt, who in recent years gained widespread experience playing with the likes of Tredegar and Hammonds Band when studying in the UK.

With them were Alexander Richter, Artistic Director of Brass Band Blechklang, and its solo euphonium Andrea Hobson. Tutti sessions, sectionals and one to one tuition ran alongside a full programme of social activities.

This is a really great organisation where each child looks after those younger than them, and in return the children visualise from day one where they are heading. It's great to see them progress year on year!Helen Varley

Support

In summing up his feelings and thanks, Alexander Richter told 4BR: "Without the support of Besson, Buffet Crampon, Bergerault and many more, a project of this quality simply wouldn't be possible."

The eighth ISBBC set to run from 15th to 22nd August 2027 at the same lakeside venue in Schneeberg.

More information:

More information is available at: www.bmvczj.de/isbbc