Leeds trombones get help from the stars

27-Feb-2009
Two events last week have really put the trombone at the top of the musical map - helped by Brett Baker and friends.

The British Trombone Society recently hosted one of their popular workshop days through Artforms and Leeds Education Music Service.

Brett Baker and colleagues from Black Dyke Trombones led a fantastic day enjoyed by a good number of trombonists of varying experience and genre at the West Park Centre.

Solo recitals

Solo recitals by Brett Baker, Black Dyke Trombones and Leyland Band Trombone Quartet laid on a feast to suit all tastes.

Meanwhile, 'Massed Blow' items worked at throughout the day provided players with the unique opportunity to play next to 'the best'. Leyland took centre stage for the afternoon session to perform 'Zeroth', recently composed for the BTS.

'Solo recitals by Brett Baker, Black Dyke Trombones and Leyland Band Trombone Quartet laid on a feast to suit all tastes'

~ 4BR

Fiendish

This piece – fiendishly difficult, was conducted by Jason Katsikaris who gave an insight into the work.

A few days later, the BTS and Education Leeds changed the focus to young players.

Most of the local Education Authorities took their young trombonists to an event led by Paul Woodward and Adrian Hirst with help provided by Leeds Brass Peripatetic Teachers.

Great form

Paul and Adrian were on great form and led a massed warm-up for the 60 plus young players before working with every player in the three ability-based groups.

Bass trombonist Sam Jennings aged 17, took part in a Masterclass with Adrian Hirst, playing the trombone solo from 'Mahler 3', whilst Dan Eddison 14, played Arthur Pryor’s tour-de-force 'Fantastic Polka', under the watchful eye of Paul Woodward.

Black Dyke

The soloists were followed by a quintet of young people from East Yorkshire, who were mentored in the art of group playing by the Dyke duo.

Paul and Adrian then wowed the captivated audience with a solo showcase that included 'Wandrin Star' (accompanied only by finger clicks from the audience!) 'DL Blues' and the duet 'Trombone Institute of Technology'.

Concluded

The day concluded with all of the players performing works prepared during the day for an appreciative audience of parents.

Over the two days – all of the stars concerned were fantastic ambassadors for the BTS, their bands and the trombone!