The rapidly emerging brass band movement in Germany gained another boost recently when Brass Band BlechKLANG started a new series of masterclasses in Thuringian Jena.

Support

Supported by Yamaha the opening weekend series saw American euphonium virtuoso Adam Frey provide an engrossing workshop for euphoniums, baritones and trombones.

18 musicians from different countries participated, with the event rounded off with a special community concert featuring the delegates, Adam and Brass Band BlechKLANG.

Adam was also kept very busy as he not only led the two days of intensive teaching but also performed two solos in the concert and conducted two pieces.

Yamaha thanks

Band Musical Director Alexander Richter told 4BR: "It was amazing to see how Adam worked with the musicians and I would like to thank Yamaha for making this special event possible.

Now, I'm really looking forward to the next year, because this was only the first masterclass of many more to come here in Jena, Germany!"

Memorable

Meanwhile, Adam certainly enjoyed the experience as he told 4BR: "It was a memorable event for with lots of wonderful musical experiences.

I was really impressed by the commitment of all participants and their desire to improve as players. There is a foundation here that can grow and grow so well."

I was really impressed by the commitment of all participants and their desire to improve as players. There is a foundation here that can grow and grow so wellAdam Frey

History

Brass Band BlechKLANG emerged from a company orchestra founded in 1971 at the state owned Carl Zeiss Jena factory.

Its current musical directors Alexander Richter and Patricio Cosentino have in recent years built up the band which has successfully participated on several occasions at the German Brass Band Championship as well as performing a number concerts in the Jena region.