Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson and MD Phil Harper are currently in Japan where they are working with over 80 players on the annual Hamamatsu Brass Band Camp.

Phil is a regular visitor, but this is the first time that Tom has made the trip to appear as a guest soloist.

Important

The five day course is regarded as one of the most important opportunities for players from all parts of the country to be able to work with some of the banding's world elite performers.

However, despite the hard work there are the occasional moments to relax, as Tom told 4BR. "I've been fortunate to come to Japan before, and it's a fantastic country. This is the first time on the course and the welcome and the response I received has been amazing.

The enthusiasm and commitment to the music making is something else and has lived up to everything Phil told me."

Go kart

As well as leading workshops and doing a little bit of conducting, Tom will give a recital as well as being the featured guest soloist in the final end of course concert — although he has already made sure that he has enjoyed a bit of typical Japanese fun too — dressed as Super Mario for a spin around central Tokyo in a go-kart!

The enthusiasm and commitment to the music making is something else and has lived up to everything Phil told meTom Hutchinson

Incredible experience

"Former Cory tuba player Kaz Kouno and his partner Aya Imai have been showing me around,"he added: "From visiting traditional public baths to ancient temples, taking a ride on the Bullet Train and even becoming Super Mario for a go-kart trip though the streets of Tokyo.

It's already been an incredible experience — and I'm sure there is more to come before I return home."