*
banner

German banding continues to build on sound foundations

Delegates at the 7th Jena Brass Seminar explored the benefits of 'good sound' led by international euph and tuba stars Bente Illevold and Dr. David Earll.

  Bente Illevold & David Earll (Photo Calm Vidal Photography) and Brass Band BlechKLANG worked togther

Delegates at the 7th Jena Brass Seminar recently enjoyed exploring how important a "good sound"is to their armoury of performance skills.

The event, supported by Besson and Buffet Crampon was led by Norwegian euphonium star Bente Illevold and US-American tuba virtuoso Dr. David Earll, who worked intensively with the musicians of different age groups on all aspects of control, production, style, balance and intonation.

The international duo, who perform together as 'The Northern Lights", also gave a masterclass performance supported by Brass Band BlechKLANG ahead of what was their performance at the recent German Open Championships.

Seminar weekend

The delegates certainly enjoyed the seminar weekend which saw section and full rehearsals alongside individual coaching and teaching from brass beginners to more seasoned professionals of all ages.

Reflecting on the seminar, Bente said: "There was a great passion for music on show as well as an incredible thirst for knowledge and a family atmosphere amongst the participants."

There was a great passion for music on show as well as an incredible thirst for knowledge and a family atmosphere amongst the participantsBente Illevold

Family approach

David added: "A 'family approach' was probably the best way to summarize the Jena Brass Seminar. It was a wonderful experience. Young musicians as well as experienced professionals worked together and improved their skills. This concept is what distinguishes this special masterclass event!"

The 7th Jena Brass Seminar was supported by Besson Company, Buffet Crampon, the Thuringian State Chancellery and the MAXX Hotel Jena.

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    


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


testpice

Ellerby and Harper to lead on-line test-piece workshop

February 15 • Composers Martin Ellerby and Philip Harper will take the opportunity to talk about their Championship and Second Section set-works in a special free on-line workshop.


Tine Helseth

Echoes impact for Tine Thing Helseth

February 15 • The latest solo CD from trumpet star Tine Thing Helseth has been nominated for the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy Award.


UnIbrass

Results: 2026 UniBrass Championships

February 15 • The University of Birmingham Music Society successfully defends the UniBrass Trophy as the University of Nottingham claims a first UniBrass Shield title.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd