The Brass Band Summer School (BBSS) has taken the innovative step to utilise its entire tutorial staff, together with a number of special guests to deliver an interactive, collaborative online experience for its delegates this year.

The new virtual course which takes place from 10th-14th August has been met with widespread international approval, with delegates signing up from all over the world.

£500 prize fund

In addition to working with world class tutors, hearing from legendary musicians through a special webinar series, being part of virtual concerts, and playing for course conductor Richard Evans, BBSS is also giving delegates the opportunity to take part in an 'in house' solo competition, with a prize fund of £500.

Competition coordinator, Owen Farr told 4BR: "Although not compulsory, this new competition is exclusive to BBSS participants and aims to provide entrants with an incentive to keep practising and performing.

Initially, those keen to enter will be required to send in an unaccompanied audio submission of a piece of their choice, together with an adjudicator's PDF piano score, in advance of the course."

12 finalists

Owen added: "Up to 12 finalists will be selected by a panel of adjudicators and will be required to make a video recording of their solo piece using a bespoke piano track provided by the BBSS's resident pianist, Matthew McCombie.

This material will then be edited together to form a Solo Competition Showcase Concert, during which prize-winners will be announced."

Although not compulsory, this new competition is exclusive to BBSS participants and aims to provide entrants with an incentive to keep practising and performingOwen Farr

Encouraged

A spokesperson for BBSS added: "Players of all ages and ability are encouraged take part.

Not only will they receive feedback from our expert adjudicators, they'll also have the chance to pick up one of our many cash prizes distributed across various instruments and age groups."

Join the course

This is just one of many new initiatives that the BBSS are offering. For further information and to secure a place on the course go to: www.brassbandsummerschool.com