The Wessex Band Summer School, understood to be the longest running course of its kind, enjoyed its emerald anniversary this year as for the 55th time delegates enjoyed a week of intense music making that culminated in a day of concerts in Sturminster Newton.
A packed audience was treated to a wide variety of music, from soulful melodies to dramatic film scores and everything in between, culminating in a massed band performance of Philip Sparke's 'Music for a Festival'.
The week-long course caters for brass, wind and percussion players of all ages and abilities under Musical Director Michael Fowles and an acclaimed team of tutors, with an ethos of playing a wide and exciting range of music whilst having fun and making new friends.
Brilliant course
Speaking about the success of this year's event, Mike stated: "It's been a brilliant course! I was staggered with how fast the bands improved, which was great as I raised the musical bar higher than ever.
More than that though it was a week of friendship and positivity and I was delighted to announced that this year we had waiting lists in two out of the three bands. That's tremendously exciting and invigorating and created a week that was so enjoyable."
Three bands
The non-residential course is held at Sturminster Newton High School in the North Dorset countryside. Students are able to camp on-site, while some choose to stay in other accommodation in the local area.
It is made up of three bands; a training band for players up to grade 4 standard, a wind band and a brass band, both for players of grade 4 upwards. Every year, the course welcomes players from all over the country, who are attracted by its friendly, supportive and inclusive values and atmosphere.
It's been a brilliant course! I was staggered with how fast the bands improved, which was great as I raised the musical bar higher than everMichael Fowles
Fantastic week
Reflecting on the success, WBSS Chairman, Matt Stimpson added: "What a fantastic week.
Our delegates were such a friendly and hard-working set of people, who have soaked everything up like sponges. Our tutorial staff were simply fantastic and put the delegates at the centre of everything. The concerts topped a great week off perfectly."
4BR was informed that the 56th course will return to Sturminster Newton on 26th to 31st July 2027.
