The delegates of the International Brass Band Summer School made their way back home to all points of the banding globe on Saturday, after enjoying a week of music making at Swansea University and plenty of relaxation on the sunny beaches of the Gower Peninsula.

Dyke duo

Players from as far afield as Brazil, USA and Norway joined up with new friends from the EU and the UK in the course led by the Black Dyke conducting team of Dr’s Nicholas and Robert Childs.

The end of week concert saw over 250 people cram into the campus refectory hall, where the ‘Eminence’ and ‘Preference’ Bands provided a concert finale aided by solo contributions from course tutors Richard Marshall, David Childs, Brett Baker and Ashley Clegg.

Superb

Speaking to 4BR, Dr Nicholas Childs said: "It’s been a great week. The weather has been superb and the players have all responded brilliantly. We’ve had plenty of fun and some amazing evenings of entertainment with exceptional recitals from the likes of Eminence Brass.

All the players will leave with DVD’s and CDs and lots of great memories too – and we are already taking bookings for next year!"

All the players will leave with DVD’s and CDs and lots of great memories too – and we are already taking bookings for next year!Dr Nicholas Childs

Norway visitors

One of the overseas players to enjoy the course was Manger Musikklag’s principal trombonist, Birgitte Bruget, who came with three other players from the 2011 European Champions.

"We’ve all had a great time – from the playing to the lovely ice cream down we ate in Mumbles," she said. "There isn’t anything like this in Norway at present, so it has been great to be able to meet up with players from all over the world."