The Fjell Brass from Øygarden near Bergen recently enjoyed a visit from Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson as they started their preparations for the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.

Workin hard

Tom spent the weekend working with the players, providing valuable insight into the art of successful contesting and how to create the type of level of confidence that is enjoyed at Cory.

He was also featured as a soloist at the band's New Year concert, alongside MD and tuba star Joseph Cook.

Tom played a number of solos, including William Himes' 'Jubilance' and 'Someone Cares', as well as taking the baton to conduct the band as they accompanied Joseph as he played (and sung) his tuba solos, including 'Song for the Skies' and 'Grumpy Troll'.

The pair also teamed up for a wonderful performance of 'Tears for Pachelbel', whilst Tom also played flugel horn on the band's test-piece run through.

His playing was of course brilliant, but his overall input into how we approach contests and the confidence we should display helped us greatlyFjell Band

National repeat

Fjell will perform in the Second Section in Bergen, hoping to add the title to their National success in the Third Division in 2018 under Joseph's baton. The band will perform Jan de Haan's 'The Patriots' as their own-choice selection.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "The weekend was a great success and Tom was a huge inspiration to us all. His playing was of course brilliant, but his overall input into how we approach contests and the confidence we should display helped us greatly.

Having players such as Tom visit us has become something of a tradition now and an essential part in our National preparations."

Speaking about his trip on his Facebook page Tom added: "My thanks go to my good mate Joseph Cook and his band for a great weekend! Good luck for NM, go smash it!"

Image: Copyright courtesy of Njaal Arnar Johansen