The students of the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band have reached new heights after performing in front 5000 people each night in an exciting project entitled, ‘The Voyage’ in the centre of Birmingham.

Transform

As part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, the band joined forces with dancers and aerialists, a huge amateur choir and more than 140 community performers to transform the main city square for three ambitious shows.

The band performed on each night conducted by Christopher Small, with catchy music before leading the opening of the event by marching through the packed crowds towards the main stage, and a purpose built ship the length and height of the nearby Town Hall.

Enhanced

Throughout the show, the band enhanced the action on board with specially commissioned pieces by composer Sophy Smith.

Band member Lara Jones told 4BR: "Despite the rain, the audience loved the music and the spectacle and each performance ended with rapturous applause, capturing a glimpse of the exciting games that are to come later in the year."

Memorable year

The performances rounded off a memorable year for the Conservatoire Brass Band, which also saw them provide well received concerts at the Sir Adrian Boult Hall under the direction of Head of Brass, Ian Porthouse.

Following the summer break, the next academic year promises to be very busy and exciting for the band, with Professor Philip Wilby leading them in new programme repertoire that will include 'Revelation' and his demanding ‘Euphonium Concerto’ which will be played by Sam Wyne.

Despite the rain, the audience loved the music and the spectacle and each performance ended with rapturous applause, capturing a glimpse of the exciting games that are to come later in the yearLara Jones

Brilliant course

He told 4BR: "It’s a brilliant course at the Conservatoire and to be able to perform the Wilby Concerto is amazing. We are also looking forward to playing in the Uni Brass Contest and Whit Friday contests, so there is plenty of hard work and lots to enjoy too!"