Over 50 players from the Elland Band organisation recently enjoyed a ‘Brass & Percussion Training Day’ at Rastrick High School in Yorkshire.

Award

The workshop was organised by the youth band’s Musical Director, Samantha Harrison, and part funded by a ‘Progressive Band Award’ from the British Federation of Brass Bands.

Stars

Led by Music Advisor Murray Greig players from Elland Silver Training, Youth & Senior Bands were joined with guests from other local bands to enjoy being tutored throughout the day by Murray Greig, James McCabe, Sandy Smith, David Thornton, Rob Burtenshaw, Joe Cook and Mark Wagstaff.

A challenging programme of music was rehearsed, whilst the tutors also demonstrated techniques on breathing and other key aspects of brass playing as well as answering loads of questions on how players could improve their playing.

It was a fantastic day. Joe Cook is a legend. It was time well spent and I learnt a lotElland player

Real buzz

"There was a real buzz about the day, lots of enthusiasm for music making and music enjoyment, with the tutors providing simple tips on how to become better musicians," Samantha Harrison told 4BR.

Meanwhile one brass player added: "It was a fantastic day. Joe Cook is a legend. It was time well spent and I learnt a lot."

Performance

At the end of the workshop parents and friends were treated to a performance of the pieces that the band had worked on all day.

"I was blown away by the fantastic sound of the band,2 commented one parent to 4BR.