A pioneering 'Brass Tracks' education project spearheaded by Zone One Brass has been awarded an 'Outstanding Musical Collaboration' accolade at the first London Music Awards, hosted by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Innovative partnership

Hosted by the Mayor’s Music Fund Partnership Programme, the award recognised the success of the innovative partnership between Zone One Brass, the London Boroughs of Hounslow and Sutton Music Services and the Royal College of Music.

The project brought together 100 young brass and percussion players, who were rehearsed by the band’s principal players and conductor Richard Ward and climaxed with Junior and Senior ensembles performing alongside Zone One Brass in a concert at the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall at the Royal College of Music.

Challenge

Richard, who conducted the senior ensemble in 'Canterbury Choral', 'Festival Overture' and 'Wall of Sound' by Paul Lovatt Cooper told 4BR: "We wanted to challenge the young players in terms of repertoire and playing, and their concentration and energy over the six hour days would have put most, if not all experienced players to shame!"

Trombonist Jon Stokes, who tutored throughout the project added: "At any musical level, being sat next to a quality player raises your own game, so it provided a rare chance for the students to hear and play alongside their peers from the other boroughs.

One pupil who had sat beside a very talented pupil summed this up simply: I need to practise more!"

Experience

The junior ensemble band performed arrangements of ‘The Hall of the Mountain King,’ ‘Swing Low,’ ‘The Washington Post’ and ‘James Bond Theme’ conducted by tuba player Mike Poyser.

He told 4BR: "I drew on my own formative years in the brass bands at Wardle High School and wanted to add a touch of band heritage when choosing the music.

The slow melody and march have been a test for players for well over a century and a half, so I thought it would be nice for the Juniors to get their first taste of this tradition!"

Concerts

Zone One Brass performed its own short set of music which included, 'Fanfare' by Gavin Higgins, 'Harlequin' by Bruce Broughton and Jacob Larsen's arrangement of 'A Little Funk' by Randy Brecker.

The band also performed a concert in each Borough a month before the project started, as Richard Ward explained: "The Zone One players did such a great job at the three concerts in the run up to the event itself.

I really think those concerts sparked the interest and enthusiasm for the event."

Support

That was certainly supported by those who took part, with Oonagh Barry, Head of Hounslow Music Service adding: "Our young musicians were clearly inspired by the stunning musicianship and professionalism of players from Zone One.

The progress made by all students from the first rehearsal to the final concert was stunning, and a testament to the power of great players and great teachers working side by side.

I believe the impact of Brass Tracks will be felt long after the last chord finished."

Welcome

One pupil added: "I really liked Brass Tracks because of the challenging music we had.

It also felt like we were being treated like professionals and the staff were welcoming and friendly," whilst another added: "I had a great time! I really enjoyed meeting new people and the music was excellent!"

Members of the Brass Tracks Bands and Zone One Brass were reunited when they performed at the awards ceremony hosted by Mayor Boris Johnson, which took place at the Roundhouse Arts Venue.

All star event

There they joined a host of stars and music industry insiders at the glittering sell-out event, which was organised to raise money for the Mayor's Music Fund.

In just two years, the Mayor’s Music Fund has given out grants worth £1.3m, benefitting over 14,000 young musicians. Funds raised are used to provide tuition and instruments, as well as giving recipients exposure to other musicians and the opportunity to perform with bands and orchestras.

I believe the impact of Brass Tracks will be felt long after the last chord finishedOonagh Barry, Head of Hounslow Music Service

Award winners

Other award winners on the night included Sir Antonio Pappano, Musical Director of the Royal Opera, Jazzie B, founder of dance music pioneers Soul II Soul, Lord Lloyd Webber and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).

"We're delighted!" Zone One Band Manager Mark Probert said after collecting the award.

"It's fantastic to have been recognised in this way. The students were excellent and the tutors, brass teachers and pastoral staff from both boroughs, as well as students from the RCM played essential roles in making the project a success.

We are grateful to the Mayor’s Music Fund for funding this project and the support they have given us."