*
banner

Pioneers look to enhance brass colours in Germany

A pioneering brass band workshop weekend has been bringing an increasing awareness of the traditional brass band sound to the heart of Germany.

Germany
  The to day workshop attracted players from across central Germany

A pioneering brass band workshop took place for the second time last weekend in the wonderful setting of the former Michaelstein Abbey in Saxony-Anhalt in Germany.

Entitled, 'Colours of Brass' under the musical motto, 'Around the World in 80 Days', it was led by conductor Alexander Richter, who worked with more than 20 participants at the Saxony-Anhalt Academy of Music to bring an increasing appreciation of the British style of brass band music making.

Inspired

Alexander, who is the conductor of the award-winning brass band BlechKLANG Jena and Artistic Director of the Brass Band Competence Center has been inspired to increase participation and appreciation of brass band music making in his home country after attending Allan Withington's Conducting Course in Leeuwarden earlier this year, and told 4BR.

"The focus of the course was to shine a musical light on this largely unknown form of wonderful music making and to work on emulating its sound production, interaction and musical expression."

The participant's own instrumental development was not forgotten however, with Alexander joined by the renowned Argentinean tuba player and Besson artist Patricio Cosentino and the Leipzig based drummer Konrad Angerhofer.

The focus of the course was to shine a musical light on this largely unknown form of wonderful music making and to work on emulating its sound production, interaction and musical expressionAlexander Richter

Enthusiastic

Together the group ended the workshop with an hour long concert programme of music rehearsed over the two days in front of an enthusiastic audience.

"We certainly gained new converts and fans,"Alexander added. "We featured music from England of course, but also Africa, Switzerland the United States.

It was a thrill to work with such enthusiastic and talented musicians. As different as the age spectrum and musical background may be, the love for brass band music making shone through. Plans are already in place for 2020 as we look to continue our progress."

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    


Mountain Brass in Concert

New entertainment contest in Switzerland

May 19 • 'Mountain Brass in Concert' will feature six Swiss bands in a new contest celebrating 222 years of music making.


cooperation

World Championship challenge for the cooperation band

May 19 • The Scots will head to Kerkrade in 2026 to see if they can become World Champions.


Willebroek

European recall with Wobplay

May 19 • You can enjoy all the performances from the recent European Championships in Stavanger on the Wobplay.com platform


Keli

Review praise for brass accompaniment to Keli production

May 19 • The participation of Whitburn and Kingdom Brass players and soloist Andrew MacMillan have gained plaudits on latest 'Keli' stage production


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

May 18 • Reading Band are looking for TROMBONES and BASSES to join our lower end. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings in Woodley near Reading with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Corsham Band

May 17 • We are looking for a MUSICAL DIRECTOR.. Corsham Band is a well-respected ensemble, adopting a hardworking ethic to their music-making. We are a dedicated and friendly team of enthusiastic musicians looking to rebuild and develop the band.


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd