The young players of the Youth Brass Band of Upper Austria are continuing to enjoy a great time on their tour of the UK under the direction of MD Karl Geroldinger.

Warm welcome

Following their appearances at the famous Guard’s Chapel in London on Monday and a great concert with Youth Brass 2000 in Corby, they enjoyed a warm welcome in the heart of Scotland with workshops and concert with the Whitburn Youth Band.

Principal cornet player Bettina Baumschlager has been keeping a blog for 4BR, and said that not only had they been enjoying meeting new friends but have been enjoying the unfamiliar scenery too.

Not normal

"On Wednesday we drove all the way to Edinburgh and really enjoyed the scenery — especially as we crossed the border into Scotland where there was a wonderful blue sky, which we hear is not normal!!!

As we didn't have a concert we took the opportunity to have a look round the beautiful city of Edinburgh, and really enjoyed the castle. It’s such an old city with many wonderful buildings and such an interesting history.

We also met up with our friends at Whitburn and had a lovely lunch in their brand new bandroom which looks fantastic. Then it was down to some hard work and rehearsals before a quiet night to relax."

Stars

Bettina added: "Thursday’s workshops were great fun and the concert was a great success with both bands playing so well. The young Whitburn players certainly have plenty of talent and enthusiasm, and are sure to be stars of the future.

Today we make our way back to England, leaving behind new friends which we hope to see again.

Later we meet up with the Fairey Band at the Royal Northern College of Music, where we will help undertake more free workshops before another great concert this evening.

I hope as many people can come along and join us!"

we drove all the way to Edinburgh and really enjoyed the scenery — especially as we crossed the border into Scotland where there was a wonderful blue sky, which we hear is not normal!Bettina Baumschlager

Free workshops

The free workshops are being held at the RNCM between 3.30pm — 5.00pm today and everyone is welcome. All you have to do is bring along an instrument and enjoy yourself!

As an added bonus you can then be part of the concert itself which starts at 7.30pm — as the massed band will play a couple of items alongside Fairey!