*
banner

No Houlding Bach in Germany

There is the rather unique sound of brass players getting together to perform and enjoy music making in Germany.

Blachklang
  Philippe Bach (left) and Chris Houlding have been ;leading the delegates through their paces

Following the cancellation of the 2020 International Summer Brass Band Camp, a new event will take place this week led by the respected musical duo of conductor Philippe Bach and professional trombone player and educator, Chris Houlding.

New event

The new event is also being organised by the German Brass Band Association, and will be put in place by Alexander Richter, the Musical Director of Brass Band BlechKLANG, and Katrin Weber, the Director of the KLANGwelt orchestral school.

Alexander told 4BR: "Every effort has been made to ensure that our popular masterclass event can take place in a modified form and we are all delighted that Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V. can now present the Summer Brass Band Camp in Jena from the 27th to 30th August.

Alex revealed that there will be four eventful days are planned, during which there will busy rehearsals as well as leisure activities and discussions with the teachers and other musicians."

Houlding and Bach

The organisers told 4VBR that they were particularly pleased that Chris Houlding and Philippe Bach will be taking part — both of whom have worked with the Carl Zeiss Jena e.V. Brass Band Association.

Brass Band BlechKLANG has already realised a number of projects with Philippe Bach, the respected conductor of the Staatstheater Meiningen, whilst Chris Houlding participated as a lecturer at the 2018 Summer Camp.

They will be joined by a team of teachers from the KLANGwelt orchestral school.

Brass Band BlechKLANG has already realised a number of projects with Philippe Bach, the respected conductor of the Staatstheater Meiningen, whilst Chris Houlding participated as a lecturer at the 2018 Summer Camp4BR

Two ensembles

Rehearsals will be split into two ensembles (Over 16 years old and Under 16 years) with works such as 'Starburst' by Dan Price and 'A Tallis Anthem' by the Dutch composer Geert-Jan Kroon. The young participants can also look forward to working on 'Jungle Dance' by Andrea Hobson.

Alexander added: "I'm very glad we found a possibility to let this workshop take place. Without our many supporters and partners such as Besson, Denis Wick and many institutions in Jena this would not have been possible, so we thank them very much."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd