Close on 100 players made the trip to Queens College, Taunton in Somerset last Saturday to attend the first John Packer Brass Band Workshop, led by star performers David Thornton and Richard Poole.

Tackling

A highly enjoyable day started with David giving warm up advice and tips to all the players before tackling the various pieces of music which were designed to stretch the capability of the assembled ensemble.

As well as coaching the players both David and Richard showed off their considerable playing talents too. Richard stunned everyone with his awesome soprano playing in his own arrangement of ‘La Virgin De La Macarena’, whilst not to be outdone, David followed with a fizzing performance of the classic ‘Carnival of Venice’.

Grey matter

The grey matter was also catered for too, as Packer’s Brass Department Manager Steve Herbert tested their musical knowledge with a lighthearted brass band quiz.

The eventual inaugural 'John Packer Mastermind champions' were revealed as Graham Davies, John Woods & Dave Coles, who just pipped the team of Christine Sweetapple, Jessica Smith, Holly Whale & Tegan Hill.

Everyone who attended the day thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We thank everyone who came along to participate with special thanks to David and Richard who really made the whole day that something extra specialJohn Packer Ltd

Extra special

A spokesperson for John Packer told 4BR: "Everyone who attended the day thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We thank everyone who came along to participate with special thanks to David and Richard who really made the whole day that something extra special."

That was certainly the reaction of the players themselves.

A great day

One told 4BR: "What a great day. Us three Brummies had a marvelous time! It was a long drive, but well worth every mile."

Another told 4BR: "I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I am amazed at the amount of information I came away with that will hopefully make me a better player.

Both David and Richard were brilliant, having time to talk and explain as well as to show us how to overcome problems. It would be good to this as an annual event – so I can put my name down now!"