The International Brass Band Summer School

Course Directors: Allan Lewis and Frank Renton

Swansea University
22nd – 28th July 2001

Some people can't get enough of brass bands. Most of us have a gut full of trying to practice every day, keep down a job, turning up for rehearsal with your band twice a week, the odd contest and concert. For others however even that's not enough, and so the banding junkies set off to different parts of the country each summer to Brass Band Workshops and Courses. One of these was the successful Sedburgh Course, which due to some changes in administration set out its stall for it's 11th course in Wales at Swansea University.

Why usually sane people would want to spend a week going through auditions, sectional rehearsals, masterclasses, full and part rehearsals and individual tuition is a matter only they know, but when you have a top class selection of tutors on offer, get plenty of time to seek out the beaches and golf courses of the Mumbles and get nice accommodation to boot, it's not a bad way of spending a week of your Summer holidays.

The Course was led by the inimitable Frank Renton who had a team of tutors that perhaps won't be bettered anywhere this year. Jim Shepherd and Ian Porthouse had the cornets, Steve Sykes the tubas, David Childs the euphs and baritones and Nick Hudson the troms. Although Sandy Smith was unable to attend to look after the horns and there was a lack of percussion players, everyone had the opportunity to get some serious tuition from some very serious (apart from when they were off duty) players.

Players had come from far and wide, both from the UK and Europe and the band even had a vicar in their ranks from the Welsh valleys playing tuba, which kept the more unchristian behaviour of the tutors under control. The age range was from the young to the senior citizen and the standard of the players was from the adequate to the very good. That's the beauty of such courses – it's all about variety.

Days were well administered into blocks of activity by Philip Morris (better known as the bloke who runs the National Championships and British Bandsman magazine) who had taken over the responsibility for the running of the course. Early starts ensured that clear heads were required to tackle an eclectic selection of music and time was given throughout the day to give members the chance to gain individual tuition from the tutors as well as sectional and full band work. Each day ended with a full two-hour rehearsal and a masterclass given by each of the tutors. Dawn till dusk it was brass banding all the way.

By the Saturday night the band was ready to give a concert at the Taliesin Theatre in the University, and a small but appreciative audience turned up to hear the band perform.

Frank Renton had wisely chosen a programme of music that musically was demanding but didn't place too many untold pressures on the players. Course tutors all played their part and each performed a solo spot during the concert. Edward Gregson's "Prelude for an Occasion" was a good safe starter under the baton of Allan Lewis and then Ian Porthouse gave a lovely rendition of "Jubilance" by William Hines that was well accompanied by the band. The only sad part to report however was the illness that deprived the audience of the chance to hear Jim Shepherd play. Jim fell ill at the beginning of the concert and was taken to the nearby hospital for observation. Thankfully he's made a complete recovery.

Frank Renton gave his usual helpful insights into each of the pieces being performed and the band in return gave a well worked account of the Vaughan Williams "English Folk Song Suite". Nick Hudson took up the challenge of the Langford "Rhapsody for Trombone " without the slightest degree of discomfort (this was superb controlled playing) but the lack of percussion was a bit of a let down in the cadenza movement. Never mind though.

A second half that started with "Fanfare and Soliloquy" was another sensible choice and then came David Childs and a ripper of a performance of "Brilliante" by Peter Graham. Hot stuff indeed and the band did well to keep up the pace. This was followed by "A Little Prayer". Two pieces of top class playing from the new superstar of the euphonium.

"A Moorside Suite" was the bands main offering and although most of the score was managed well there was obvious signs of tiredness towards the end. Some lovely individual playing though especially from the very, very young girl on solo cornet. A young star. Steve Sykes then brought the house down with his imperious playing of Monti's "Czardas". If this is a man in semi retirement with his playing then most of us should give up now.

A final finish with "Tameside Overture" by Philip Sparke brought to an end an enjoyable evenings entertainment, made special for the playing members by the involvement and acknowledgement of their efforts by the soloists. Frank Renton clearly enjoyed himself aswell.

The plethora of courses available today for the committed bandsman or woman can make you question the value of spending a week playing your instrument from dawn till dusk, but if the course is well administered, has plenty of relevant activity and a tutorial staff of quality then it's a good thing.

The 11th International Course was a success as it combined these to good effect and the result was a concert of merit. Shame about the lack of percussion, but really we shouldn't be complaining too much about that should we. Hearing a brass band play without having to put up with the effects department form the shed builders at the back of the band can sometimes be a great blessing.

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