Philip Harper has had a busy last few months of 2008 and has become very familiar with the Severn Bridge in and out of South Wales.

Very successful Autumn workshops with both Helston Band and Lyme Regis Band lead to Philip conducting the BTM Band at the National Finals in London.

More journeys

More journeys over the bridge followed when Philip conducted the Tongwynlais Band in competitions at Wychavon, Prestatyn and Treorchy. Then it was back amongst old friends as he guided the Flowers Band through a weekend recording a CD for the Polyphonic label, then Christmas concerts with Lydbrook Band and Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Philip also completed adjudicating assignments at Pontin's and in St. Dennis, and the year culminated with conducting the Gwent Youth Brass Band who recorded a CD with World of Brass, and gave the premiere of Philip's latest work, 'Venta Silurum'.

It's certainly been a busy few months and I've had enormous fun meeting new and old friends around the countryPhilip Harper

Busy 2009

Already 2009 is looking like another busy year, with conducting appearances at Yeovil, Porthcawl, the Regional Finals and the Grand Shield contests to come, as well as in the adjudicator's box at Butlin's, Cross Keys, Truro, Manchester and East Anglia.

On top of that Philip will, for the third time, be the guest conductor of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band at their Easter Course, and has also been asked to complete some high-profile commissions.

Busy few months

Philip told 4BR: "It's certainly been a busy few months and I've had enormous fun meeting new and old friends around the country. A special mention to the young people of the Gwent Youth Band who were a pleasure to conduct and showed fantastic discipline and concentration, as well as some great musicianship!"