It's all systems go for Black Dyke Band’s Brass Arts Festival that is taking place this weekend at the Headingley Campus of Leeds Metropolitan Universty. On Saturday afternoon the Black Dyke low brass team host over 40 participants for the Euphonium, Baritone and Tuba Spotlight event.
Fantastic response
This is a fantastic response from players around the north of the country – I’m very excited about the prospect of working with such a large group and the sound of the massed ensemble will be huge!David Thornton
Dyke's euphonium soloist David Thornton commented to 4BR, ”This is a fantastic response from players around the north of the country – I’m very excited about the prospect of working with such a large group and the sound of the massed ensemble will be huge!”
Spotlight
The 'Spotlight' will run from 13.30 until 17.00 and is an opportunity for all low brass players to attend workshop sessions with Black Dyke's bass end players, as well as a recital by David Thornton and Joseph Cook, and a world premiere performance by Scherzo Brass, the all-female group, recently crowned British Open Quartet Champions.
New works for recital
”The recital will include brand new pieces by Philip Wilby and Lucy Pankhurst, and a performance of Andy Scott’s ‘My Mountain Top’. Andy’s tuba concerto ‘Salt of the Earth’ was a recent hit at the RNCM Festival of Brass and ‘My Mountain Top’ is equally as attractive to audiences!”
Bring your instrument and stand
David reminds those planning to attend “I should remind participants that all they need to bring is their instruments and a music stand – we have prepared all the music and other materials!”
The plan for the afternoon is as follows:
13.00 – 13.15: Participants to arrive and sign in, Jubilee Room, James Graham Building, Headingly Campus, Leeds Metropolitan University, LS6 3QS
13.30 – Introductory Session
Warm-up session introducing topics for the day:
1. Listen and copy
2. Intonation (using buzzing games part.1 and chord games)
3. Rhythm skills (using rhythm patterns – offbeat games, canons)
4. Sound development (using buzzing games part.2, breathing drills, leading to ensemble music…)
Massed ensemble read through/rehearse
14.40 – Coffee break and chance for informal chat with the Dyke Low Brass/trying instruments from Band Supplies Trade Stand
15.00 – Recital by Joe Cook, David Thornton and Scherzo Brass
Cyrano (Philip Wilby) – Joe Cook and Dan Gordon
Fnugg (Baadsvik) – Joe Cook
Agnus Dei (Michaelangelo Grancini arr. Hall) – Scherzo Brass
Jigaligaliga Shine! (Lucy Pankhurst) – Scherzo Brass World Premiere
My Mountain Top (Andy Scott) – David Thornton and Scherzo Brass
‘Neath The Dublin Skies (Paul Lovatt-Cooper) — David Thornton, Joe Cook, Lee Skipsey and Scherzo Brass
16.00 — Coffee break and chance for informal chat with the Dyke Low Brass/trying instruments from Band Supplies Trade Stand
16.15 – Rehearsal/performance of massed ensemble music with possibility of inclusion as foyer music for evening performance. Culminating with question and answer session involving all of Dyke Low Brass Team that is Dave Thornton, John French, Gareth Brindle, Gareth Daniel, Joseph Cook, Philip Goodwin, Matthew Routley and Daniel Sinclair.
5pm finish
With an expected finish for 17.00, there will be a pre-concert talk given by Elgar Howarth, Philip Wilby and Dr Nicholas Childs at 18.45 and ahead of the Gala Concert starting at 19.30.
Finally, David commented, “Although we’ve reached our capacity for playing participants, should anyone want to attend the free recital at 3pm – everyone is welcome!”
