Amazing week at ISSBB
Over 120 delegates from 10 different countries enjoyed a memorable week of music making and fun atthis year’s International Brass Band Summer School in Swansea. The week concluded in traditional fashion with rousing Gala Concert at its Great Hall where the Cardinal and Symphony Bands performed for a local audience before coming together for the rousing massed band finale.The music included Eric Ball's 'Star Lake', Peter Graham's 'Triquetra' and 'To Boldly Go' alongside classics such as Rossini's 'Thievish Magpie'. Owen Farr and Brett Baker were the featured soloists. Course Administrator Alison Childs commented, "The ethos has always been that you arrive as a delegate and leave as a friend, although given the amount of repeat bookings we now have everyone starts as a friend from the moment they arrive.”
Delegates were given the opportunity to work with a stellar tutor team that this year comprised Richard Marshall, Tom Hutchinson, Owen Farr, Gary Curtin, Brett Baker and Matt Routley amongst others. As well the usual full and sectional rehearsals, delegates could enjoy individual and ensemble lessons, conducting and sight-reading sessions on works such as Edward Gregson's 'Essay', Gilbert Vinter's 'Spectrum' and Edward Gregson's 'Voices of Youth'.
A new initiative for 2024 was the Geneva Quartet Challenge, where delegates' names were put into a hat to be drawn out, not knowing who their playing partners were to be until the actual performance. Simon Miller, from principal sponsors Geneva Instruments commented, "This proved to be a fantastic idea and we hope to develop it further in the years to come. It really made for a great way to develop playing skills." Delegates were also able to rehearse individual solos with the assistance of resident accompanist, Chris Williams from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, with several taking the opportunity to perform in a special Delegates Concert during the week. Conducting opportunities with workshop classes saw some delegates able to hone their developing baton skills in Cardinal and Symphony Band rehearsals under Prof Childs.
Valery Fessler from the Melodia Brass Band commented, "It was an amazing week and so well organised. We are already looking forward to 2025." This was a thought shared by the Course Director, Professor Nicholas Childs, who added, "Every year adds something new to the experience for me, and I hope for those who came to Swansea. I love the week back in my homeland of course, but it is made even more special by the friendship created through our communal music making. This year really was our best course ever, so we will have to try even harder to top it in 2025. My thanks go to our Principal Sponsor Geneva and course sponsors Michael Rath Trombones, Denis Wick, Adams Percussion, Obrasso Verlag, Prima Vista Musikk, Wright & Round Music, World of Brass, Brass Band World, Kapitol Promotions, 7 Elements Global, Nicola Morris Trust and GJ Marketing."
Bookings are being taken for the 2025 Course which will take place from the 28th July — 2nd August. To secure your place for a £20 holding fee contact: Alison Childs, alison4horn@btinternet.com Further information can be found at: www.ibbss.com
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