*
banner

Boot Camp kicks goals

The VBL’s Drill Advisory Board held its Drum Majors’ Boot Camp on Sunday 3rd February at the Moonee Valley Bandroom.

Victorian Bands League
 

The day was a treat for current and aspiring Drum Majors. There were 25 experienced and not-so-experienced Drum Majors in attendance, together with six members of the Drill Advisory Board, four observers and a handful of supporters and assistants – all up, there were 40 people enjoying a great day of drill and marching tuition.

Enthusiasm

It was very encouraging to see the enthusiasm with which the trainees took up the activities. Most trainees were practising their newly-developed skills in the breaks and asking many questions of the trainers. It was also particularly exciting to see so many younger people come along.

Training for 'newbies'

Currently, most Drum Majors are just selected from within their bands and not trained. The Boot Camp was designed to provide initial training for “newbies” and advanced skills development for more experienced DM’s.

Flourishing and twirling

A special session was led by Geoff Bellis of the Victorian Highland Pipe Band movement. He demonstrated the art of flourishing, which included twirling and throwing the mace. Geoff made the whole thing appear easy, however our trainees had projectiles flying everywhere!

Youth Band "Guniea Pigs"

During the afternoon, the Victorian State Youth Brass Band assisted the Drum Majors by being the “guinea pigs”. It was a hot and sultry afternoon, but the band members didn’t complain once.

Thank you

A huge thank you to Walter Pope, Dean Hughes and all the members of the VSYBB for helping to make this event a success.

On behalf of the VBL, I wish to extend a huge thank you to the members of the Drill Advisory Board who did the preparations and training on the day...VBL President, Chris Bowman.

VBL President, Chris Bowman said, "On behalf of the VBL, I wish to extend a huge thank you to the members of the Drill Advisory Board who did the preparations and training on the day: John Kelly, Jan Davey, Kevin Herdman, Michael Mathers, Paul O’Toole and Darryl Wagstaff."

"Unfortunately, a recent operation precluded Keith Moore from attending, but I know he was fully supporting the day."

"Thank you also to Helen Gray and Irene Magoulas for preparing lunches, teas and cold drinks for everyone."

Free DVD

A free DVD will be available shortly for all who attended the day.

To keep the energy that was produced on the day, another training day is planned for later in 2008. The next session will include more sessions for either advanced or novice skill levels.

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    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd