*
banner

Midlands success for second BBE Artistic Development seminar

Over 20 conductors and brass band enthusiasts took the opportunity to pick up essential artistic tips from Philip Harper in the Midlands.

bbe
  Philip Harper attracted a wide spread line up of conductors and enthusiasts eager to find out more...

Loughborough School in the Midlands was the host venue for Brass Bands England (BBE) second Artistic Development seminar.

Over 20 musical directors, conductors and banding enthusiasts took part in the day-long session which was once again hosted by Cory Band MD, Philip Harper.

At the heart

Speaking to 4BR about the event, BBE's CEO Kenny Crookston said: "We were yet again delighted with the turnout and level of engagement at Philip's seminar, which focused on a subject right at the heart of what brass bands do whenever they embark on any performance.

His terrific enthusiasm and friendly, relaxed approach saw the content presented in such a way that the post-event feedback was outstanding, with people remarking on just how effective and worthwhile it was to them and their future ability to engage with potential audiences."

Thanks

Kenny Crookston continued: "We would also like to thank the Hathern Band, who worked so professionally with Philip worked during the afternoon."

It was confirmed that the next session will be at The Hawth, Crawley on Sunday 20th January, followed by one at Ushaw College in Durham on Saturday 23rd March. Further events are also being planned for the North West and Yorkshire.

Further details of these are available on the BBE website at www.bbe.org.uk

It was confirmed that the next session will be at The Hawth, Crawley on Sunday 20th January, followed by one at Ushaw College in Durham on Saturday 23rd March. Further events are also being planned for the North West and Yorkshire4BR

Final appearance

The day also saw Sophie Anderson make her last appearance in her role as BBE's Education & Development Manager, prior to embarking on a new career path.

Kenny Crookston concluded: "We would like to thank Sophie for her outstanding work for BBE during 2018 and wish her every success in her new career."

The process for appointing her successor as well as a new role of Membership Support Officer is still open and applications will be accepted until Friday 14th December.

Further details

Full details of both positions currently open at BBE are available at: https://www.bbe.org.uk/news/16112018-0907/career-opportunities-bbe

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    


Linz

Result: 2026 European Youth Championships Premier Section

April 26 • Premier delight for Hordaland Ungdomsbrassband as Norway reigns supreme in Linz.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Youth Championships Development Section

April 26 • Its a Norwegian one and two as the title is claimed by Smoras Skolemusikk.


Flowers

Result: 2026 European Championships Championship Section

April 25 • History is made as Flowers Band are crowned Champions of Europe on their contest debut.


Linz

Result: 2026 European Championships Challenge Section

April 25 • Brass Band Wipptal claims the honours and takes the title back to Italy.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd