As the inaugural Australian based ‘Byron Brass Summer School’ approaches completion for 2009, the outcomes have exceeded the expectations of both participants and organisers.
Who
41 people attended the 2009 Byron Brass Summer School. All brass parts were covered, with a reasonable balance of instrumentation across the band. Section leaders included Paula Russell, Rosie Pearce, Ken Mellody, Chris Lee, and Rick Casagrande.
My family and I don’t want to leave — it’s been like staying in a brass band resort! The chance for us to be able to play in the band, sit next to some amazing players, and also have lots of fun has been the perfect holiday for us.Helen Wood, Broken Hill
Participants were of a wide range of ability and age, including families from within the brass band community of Australia who had travelled for several days to be a part of this new and exciting summer school.
What they did
Supporters at the camp site, Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreational centre who did not play in the band eagerly joined in the Adrenalin recreational program which included activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, rock climbing, archery, yoga, and generally spending time on the beach and lake which surround the site.
New Focus
“Byron Brass Summer School represents the first Australian specialist community brass band project of its kind and the response to this initiative has been beyond all our expectations. I have no doubt that BBSS will flourish into one of the banding calendars major annual events in the future.” Rick Casagrande, Co-Director of Bryon Brass Summer School and Chairman of The Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB) said.
Feedback
Andrew Power, flugel player and conductor from Melbourne told 4BRDU, “I have had a fantastic time here and have been blown away by the total experience. The chance to work one on one with David King, both as a player and conductor, has been the opportunity of a life time.”
Helen Wood from Broken Hill said, “My family and I don’t want to leave! It’s been like staying in a brass band resort. The chance for us all to be able to play in the band, sit next to some amazing players, and also have lots of fun together recreationally has been the perfect holiday for us.”
Details for 2010 will be released soon.
