The National Association of Brass Band Conductors recently held a successful masterclass event led by NABBC President Russell Gray at the Cooper’s Company and Coburn School in Upminster.
Popular series
The latest in an increasingly popular series has been made possible through funding from the Arts Council of Great Britain, and on this occasion Russell was assisted by the experienced conducting team of Andrew White, Melvin White and Martin Obermüller, as well as the recently crowned Wychavon champions Aveley & Newham.
Delegate conductors arrived from all parts of the UK and France to offer a real cultural flavour to the event, and each was asked to work on a familiar item aided by expert advice and instruction on their conducting technique and practical skill.
Inventive approach
Russell’s inventive approach saw him provide a series of ‘do’s and don’ts’ for MDs when instructing players in achieving the best musical response without causing conflict clashes — an essential tool in the locker of interpersonal skills that is becoming increasingly important in modern day band training and directing.
The extensive variety of music chosen and prepared included items from the Salvation Army repertoire which offered superbly harmonised scores.
Their contribution to the whole day was quite inspirational and the NABBC’s grateful thanks go to them and each conductor for their contribution in what became a truly wonderful day of music making and learningAndrew White
Superbly prepared
A superbly prepared Aveley & Newham Band was in excellent form and their engaging enthusiasm and technical excellence gave each conductor the opportunity to explore their skill set in technique, interpretation and performance.
MD Melvin White, had prepared several musical items including, Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Fire in the Blood’ which, under the baton of Russell Gray provided many magical moments.
Real appetite
NABBC Chairman Andrew white later told 4BR: "Aveley & Newham Band showed itself to be a music making force with a real appetite for learning and performance.
Their contribution to the whole day was quite inspirational and the NABBC’s grateful thanks go to them and each conductor for their contribution in what became a truly wonderful day of music making and learning."
