*
banner

Lydney workshop captures musical imagination

The annual Brass & Percussion Workshop day hosted by Lydney Training Band led by Tom Davoren was a great success — with over 40 participants enjoying making music together.

Lydney
  A collective show of cornet strength after a great day at Lydney

The Lydney Training Band has just hosted their annual 'Brass & Percussion Workshop' event, where over 40 participants of all ages and standards gathered of specialised music tuition under conductor and composer Tom Davoren and a team of tutors.

Several local bands took the opportunity to take part, from Bream and Lydney to as far afield as Lympstone and Axminster in Devon.

Trio of works

Tom opened the day with a full rehearsal of the three pieces they were to study — 'Prismatic Light' by Alan Fernie, 'The Belle of Chicago' by Sousa, and Peter Graham's 'Three Jazz Pieces' — specially chosen to showcase different styles and genres.

It was followed by a series of sectional rehearsals for more detailed exploration of the music, led by tutors Chris Howley (cornets), Ross Dunne (horns), Thomas Dunne (euphoniums and baritones), Tom Davoren (trombones and tubas) and Steve Barnett (percussion).

Concert finale

The players then got back together for a final intensive rehearsal before time for relaxation as tutors Thomas and Ross Dunne performed a duet, and cam under the microscope in a Q&A Session.To round things off, Tom Davoren led the full band in s short concert for family and friends featuring the works studied.

It was another great day, and it was lovely to see how the workshop continues to go from strength to strengthtutor, Chris Howley

Strength to strength

Chris Howley, who started playing with the Lydney Band and has supported the event as a tutor since it started four years ago, told 4BR: "It was another great day, and it was lovely to see how the workshop continues to go from strength to strength."

As for the players themselves, the reaction of Julia Powell summed things up: "We had a terrific time with an amazing final performance. It was breathtaking to see all the learners leap on board for an unparalleled musical journey. Huge thanks to Tom Davoren and the section tutors — and of course the team at Lydney Town Band and Lydney Training Band for offering this fabulous opportunity".

4BR was informed that the workshop will return again next year, so keep an eye out to take part yourselves.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd