Brass Bands England (BBE) has launched the first of its new training and development programmes designed to help brass bands at all levels to thrive.

It's 'Artistic Development' programme will be led by Cory MD Philip Harper and is aimed at encouraging conductors and band leaders to explore ways they can be more innovative and creative in their approach, and more dynamic in their engagement with audiences both on and off stage.

Resilient and relevant

BBE hopes the programme will encourage conductors to reflect on their practice, as well as challenge them to think about how their bands can become more resilient and relevant to audiences.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "In these sessions Philip will demystify the subject of Artistic Direction, particularly the role of the audience in artistic thinking.

He will discuss the importance to artistic leaders of self-learning, curious listening and wild imagination, as well as covering the nuts and bolts of on-the-ground artistic direction, working with bands in rehearsals."

Essence of the art

The Cory MD is certainly looking forward to the event which will take place in Thornbury near Bristol later this month.

"In my 20 years developing as a band conductor, I've often thought deeply about what it is exactly I'm trying to achieve — the essence of my art so to speak.

When BBE asked me to take a national lead on the topic I was very excited to have the chance to share my experience in a way which could potentially benefit all levels of banding."

He added: "I'm looking forward to meeting a wide spectrum of many like-minded people across the country in these workshops, which I hope will be inspirational to all".

Time and place

BBE revealed that each point will be illustrated with practical examples, including a live illustrated rehearsal session with a band, as well as a demonstration of how Cory has learned to market itself better in the 21st century.

The first Artistic Development event is taking place on Saturday 29th September in Thornbury, Bristol and tickets are available to buy online now via the following link: https://bbe.yapsody.com/event/index/283846/artistic-development-with-philip-harper

The venue is located next to Rock Street Car Park where there is free long stay car parking available. Tickets are priced at £5.00 for BBE members and £15.00 for non-members and include the price of a buffet lunch.

Those with dietary or access needs can e-mail sophie@bbe.org.uk for further information and advice.

Future dates and locations will be announced in due course but will include:
1st December — (Location TBC — Midlands)
20th January — The Hawth, Crawley
23rd March — (Location TBC — North East)
May — (Location TBC — North West)
June/July — (Location TBC — Yorkshire)

I'm looking forward to meeting a wide spectrum of many like-minded people across the country in these workshops, which I hope will be inspirational to allCory MD Philip Harper

Crucial aspects

BBE CEO, Kenneth Crookston, told 4BR: "Our ultimate aim is to provide opportunities for improvement to every brass band in England.

We hope that our development programme will help to provide the necessary resources in relation to three crucial aspects of our activities that we have identified; good governance and band management, player development and artistic development.

We're delighted Philip has agreed to lead our Artistic Development programme, which we will be presenting at various venues around England over the next four years, and we're excited at the prospect of one of the leading artistic voices in brass banding working with bands of all standards and ambitions."

More information

BBE stated that resource documents will be able for member bands to download via BBE's new website (due to launch in early September), alongside regional training days and workshops delivered by leading experts being made available to the wider music community.

For more information about the work of Brass Bands England visit their website at www.bbe.org.uk