Young brass players from across the UK recently gathered in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire to attend the first masterclass training session hosted by the Wychavon Festival of Brass in collaboration with Foden's Band.

Supporting and helping to develop young brass players has long been one of the objectives of WFB in addition to staging its annual contest. This year has seen the return of the popular initiative held at Bromsgrove School.

The excellent facilities enabled the Foden's tutoring team to rehearse the young attendees in break-out groups before coming together to perform on stage at Routh Hall for family and friends at the end of highly enjoyable day.

Fowles lead

The Foden's tutors Mark Wilkinson, Darren Lea, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin and Mark Landon were led by MD Michael Fowles. Playing members of the Wychavon Festival committee also joined the sectional rehearsals and in the performance.

After a fine day of intensive tuition he concert programme consisted of three pieces — the ensemble giving a stirring rendition of the march 'Star Lake', followed Christopher Bond's major work, 'Neverland' and the K-pop pop hit, 'Dynamite'.

It's great to be involved in projects such as this and we were delighted to be there to encourage and enthuse young playersMike Fowles

Support

Event organiser and WFB committee member Iain Willis was delighted at the outcome saying, "things could hardly have gone better", whilst WFB Chairperson Val Trim added: "The future of the brass band movement lies in the hands of our young players, and we must do all we can to support them."

And after the success of the event, Mike Fowles agreed: "It's great to be involved in projects such as this and we were delighted to be there to encourage and enthuse young players."