The Norwegian National Champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik has been focusing its musical endeavours on helping develop the next generation of the country's brass band players.
For an intensive two week period in May the band has been leading a series of instrumental days as well as their annual Summer School course (now in its 22nd year).
EB-Talent
Each year the band hosts up to 10 instrumental days for players young and old from the region around their home base in Bergen, and later this year they will launch their brand new initiative entitled, 'EB-Talent'.
During May the band focused on 10 local school bands — pinpointing their needs and requirements and helping the youngsters develop their individual and ensemble skills.
A 'Jubilee Concert' was organised for two school bands who enjoyed a day working with star players before linking up for an evening concert appearance with them.
In addition another eight school bands spent time with Eikanger at their band room in Knarvik, where they each enjoyed 'sit-in' rehearsals under conductor Reid Gilje, preparing and performing different pieces that they will use at the forthcoming Norwegian School Band Championship in June.
Everyone at Eikanger-Bjørsvik is committed to work with hundreds young, eager band players during each year and we regard it as a duty to be very much involved in their developmentBand spokesperson, Viggo Bjorge
Thrilled
Band spokesperson, Viggo Bjorge told 4BR: "We are thrilled to be able to undertake this annual initiative. It's so important to be able to link in such a positive way to our local community.
Everyone at Eikanger-Bjørsvik is committed to work with hundreds young, eager band players during each year and we regard it as a duty to be very much involved in their development."
He added: "Being the leading band in Norway gives us so many exciting possibilities, but it also comes with the responsibility to pass on the knowledge, tradition and enjoyment we get from brass band music making, helping secure the future of banding in Norway."
