The South West Brass Band Association recently held their annual Mid-Winter Workshop at West Buckland School, near Barnstaple.

Aided by support from Arts Council England, Co-op Funeralcare and North Devon Music Centre who nominated a number of students for participation, the delegates were put through two days of intensive tuition by Philip Harper and stars from Cory Band, with Tom Hutchison, Glyn Williams, Helen Williams and Ailsa Russel leading break out groups on nine compositions.

Terrific response

The weekend attracted over 120 players of all standards, aged 10 to 70 plus, with organiser John Croker telling 4BR: "We had a terrific response this year and even had to close the application list in early January as we had reached capacity."

The event culminated in an end of course concert presented to an appreciative audience including the President of SWBBA Sue Richards and representatives from sponsors and supporters.

The tutors were unanimous in their praise of all the participants, congratulating them for their willingness to extend their individual and ensemble playing talents, as well as their obvious enthusiasm to have a great time.

We had a terrific response this year and even had to close the application list in early January as we had reached capacityorganiser, John Croker

Awards

The workshop was the innovative idea of the late Goff Richards, President of the SWBBA until his death. The two annual awards made in his memory went to 9 year old George Watts from Bideford Band, who was presented with the Junior Award, and Matt Opie, a soprano player from Bodmin Town Band who was presented with the senior accolade.