A marathon weekend of brass will commence at 2.30pm on Saturday 20th September at Dalkeith Community Campus, where the principal players of Foden’s Richardson Band will offer six simultaneous masterclasses covering cornet, horn, euphonium/baritone, trombone, tuba and percussion.

The masterclasses, while aimed at encouraging young players, are open to all and free of charge.

Fodens

At 7.00pm, Foden’s Richardson Band will present what promises to be a spectacular concert. The programme will also feature solo performances from Glyn Williams, Les Neish, Helen Williams and Mark Landon.

Attracting performers of the stature of Foden’s and David Childs’ is a real coup for both the Midlothian Arts and Creativity Team and the Northern Counties Brass Band AssociationAlan Edmond

New initiative

This new brass initiative, which it’s hoped will encourage young brass players to swell the ranks at Midlothian Schools Brass Band, is being presented by the Midlothian Arts and Creativity Team, headed by Acting Music Organiser, David McLeod.

Rich tradition

David commented to 4BR: "Midlothian has a rich tradition in the field of brass, with several pupils winning titles at national levels over the last few years, and the Foden's concert, along with the new format of the Midlothian Schools Brass Band, shows a commitment from the region to build on that.

"Exciting things are planned for some of our other ensembles too, so it should be a good year for music in Midlothian!"
Youth Brass Extravaganza

David Childs

On Sunday 21st September, the spotlight will move north to Meldrum Academy in Aberdeenshire, where David Childs will present a masterclass before swapping his euphonium for a baton, as he leads a new band of young players, many of whom will be experiencing the joy of playing in a brass band for the first time.

After sectional rehearsals, supported by brass and percussion tutors from local education authorities, a full rehearsal will enable the young band to prepare for the final concert, in which it will be joined by Turriff Silver Band.

Free workshop

Entry to the Workshop is free of charge and open to all young brass players, with players of Grade 2 standard or higher being able to participate in the rehearsals and concert.

This will be the first in a series of workshop events due to take place in the area, hosted on this occasion by Richard Paton and his team at Aberdeenshire Council.

It is hoped that future events within the Northern Counties Brass Band Association (NCBBA) area will nurture the organisation’s relationships with the other local education authorities, hopefully resulting in an influx of new, young brass talent in the region.

Support

Speaking on behalf of the NCBBA, Ann Murray commented: "We are indebted to York Instruments and Aberdeenshire Council for their support with this venture, the first of what promises to be a valuable series of rewarding and enjoyable events in the north of Scotland."

Further details

Further details of the event and an application form can be obtained at: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/parentscarers/information/YouthBrassLeafletV3.pdf

Performers of stature

The Scottish Brass Band Association’s (SBBA) Development Officer, Alan Edmond, commented: “The SBBA is delighted to be supporting both of the weekend’s events as part of our continuing Youth Development Programme."

Alan added: "Attracting performers of the stature of Foden’s and David Childs’ is a real coup for both the Midlothian Arts and Creativity Team and the Northern Counties Brass Band Association. Those attending the events are in for a memorable experience."