British stars David Thornton and Sheona White recently led the music making at the International Summer Brass Band camp in Kiez in Schneeberg in Germany.
Organised by Buffet Crampon artist Patricio Cosentino, the course was aimed at providing a platform for brass band enthusiasts of any age and level to gain invaluable contact with world class brass band performers and teachers.
Patricio, who acted as the Artistic Director, told 4BR: "Our long term goal is to help the German brass band scene to develop by working directly with renowned artists and teachers such as David and Sheona."
He added: "It was an amazing experience for the players and myself, and my thanks go to them as well as the principal players of the Brass Band BlechKLANG, Alexander Richter, Mark Sirók, Andrea Hobson and local teachers from Leipzig and Jena including Konrad Angerhöfer and Linus Krimphove.
This has given everyone such a huge boost of musical confidence."
Worked hard
Patricio revealed that the delegates worked hard during the week with individual lessons backed by chamber music ensembles, large ensemble works and plenary discussions.
Buffet Crampon also provided a Besson workshop presented by Matthias Voigt, one of Europe's leading instrument makers, who specialises in instrument modification as well as repair and maintenance.
Delegates were also able to enjoy free time in the lovely surrounds, a spectacular firework presentation and many other fun activities provided by the camping site.
Our long term goal is to help the German brass band scene to develop by working directly with renowned artists and teachers such as David and SheonaPatricio Cosentino
Delighted
Patricio added: "We were particularly delighted that members of the Jena based Brass Band BlechKLANG, Jugend Brass Band BlechKLANG, Show Brass Band VielKLANG and Junior Brass Band KLANGwelt were able to join the course."
Music performed during the week included, 'Peacemakers' by Dan Price, 'Life Ablaze' by Steven Ponsford, 'Vitae Aeternum' and 'Quicksilver' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper as well as more popular works such as 'Borage', 'Kraken', 'Mr Jums' and 'Black Sam' from 'Cats'.
The end of course concert was conducted by David Thornton and featured various youth ensembles ranging from beginners to advanced, adult chamber groups, brass instrument chamber groups and a percussion ensemble piece.
2020
The 2020 course will take place in the same venue between 23rd and 29th August, with leading tutors, Bjørn Breistein (Norway), Johnny Bates (UK) and specialist tutors from Germany include principal players from Brass Band BlechKLANG.
