Besson artist Roger Webster recently gave a series of masterclasses in Germany with the BlechKLANG Brass Band.

The 'Jenaer Blechblaserseminare' seminars have been held over the last few years supported by Besson, with 21 musicians from all parts of Germany making the trip this year to Jena to enjoy the opportunity to work with the internationally renowned cornet player and teacher.

Impressive

BlechKLANG Brass Band was formed in 1971 as part of the nationally-owned enterprise, Carl Zeiss Jena. Its current musical directors are Alexander Richter and Patricio Cosentino, and the band has successfully participated on a number of occasions at the German Brass Band Championship. They also perform various concerts in Jena and throughout Thuringia every year.

Alexander told 4BR: "It was such an impressive experience to see Roger working with the musicians.

I would like to thank Besson for making this special event possible, and I am convinced that with the development of this masterclass series we are establishing something very important for the German brass band movement."

After giving a day full of individual tuition that included invaluable tips and advice on performance technique and approach, the event closed with a community concert featuring Roger as the guest soloist.

The participants were incredibly dedicated and keen. I hope I could answer all questions and I wish all the musicians so much success in their future developmentRoger Webster

Encouraged

Reflecting on the weekend, Roger told 4BR: "The participants were incredibly dedicated and keen. I hope I could answer all questions and I wish all the musicians so much success in their future development.

I was delighted to make the trip and so encouraged by what I heard from the talented players and such a well organised band."