With some European countries taking different approaches to self-isolation and social distancing guidelines and regulations over the past few months, a number of brass bands have been able to start to return to rehearsal in some form over the past few weeks.

Sweden approached the Coronavirus pandemic with a communal accent on asking their citizen's to use their own appreciation of regulations. Although controversial it has enabled bands such as Solna Brass to return to practice after 9 weeks away.

Followed guidelines

Speaking to 4BR, band spokesperson Klara Blomgren said: "Although Sweden has not been in complete lockdown, the band has carefully followed the public health authority's guidelines and cancelled band rehearsals since the end of March.

Now we are really happy to be able to get back together with a reduced ensemble in our newly refurbished bandroom — although we ensure that we maintain the recommended social distancing at all times and have strict hygiene rules.

It's been exciting to come back after all this time off — it's like starting off on a new musical adventure again."

Ambassador

The five time Swedish Champion was formed in 1970 and has been a proud ambassador for brass banding in the country ever since — taking part in the first European Championships in London in 1978.

Solna will now spend a few rehearsals before their summer break to record in sections some original works written for them — an idea that came from MD Emil Bjorklund.

Their first recording featured Rune Froden, who was one of the band's founders together with current second horn player Lars Lerne. He wrote the band's signature 'Solna Marsch' which they recently put together and published on the band's Facebook site.

It's been exciting to come back after all this time off — it's like starting off on a new musical adventure againKlara Blomgren

Recording project

Klara added: "The next project is to record the march 'LGB-40', which was written as a tribute to the band's second conductor Lars-Gunnar Bjorklund on his 40th birthday. Lars-Gunnar was the band's MD for 32 years and is also the father of their current MD, Emil."

The band now hopes to be able to celebrate their 50th anniversary in September: "Due to the current situation, it is uncertain how and when the celebrations will take place, but right now we are working on taking one step at a time and keeping safe whilst returning to playing."