The continuation of the taster sessions and Workshop Band at Brass in Concert gives those lucky enough to be involved the chance to be tutored by some of the finest instrumentalists in the business, in what has become an integral part of the weekend.

On Saturday morning over 80 players of varying ages and abilities met under the expert guidance of Richard Marshall, Joseph Cook, Brett Baker, Katrina Marzella, Rory Farrell, Keith Britcliffe, Alison Childs and Laura Jackson, before taking to the stage in the afternoon to showcase their progress under the direction of Dr Nicholas Childs.
 
Relaxed

Over the past couple of years the concert has been held in the concert hall, but this year, the decision was taken to hold it on the concourse, which gave it a relaxed and informal atmosphere and allowed the audience the chance to listen from various vantage points whilst enjoying a snack and a beverage.

The music ranged from the march, 'Star Lake' to 'Little Prayer' along with Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Wall of Sound'.

It also opened with a great little cameo from a group of starter players called 'The Blast Band' who delivered Lloyd Webber's 'Any Dream Will Do' under Laura Jackson with real gusto.
 
Great fun

It was all great fun and yet another brilliant reminder of what can be achieved in just four hours of high class tuition.

After a break, it was then the turn of Youth Brass 2000 who'd set themselves up in big band format.
 
Revelled

The reigning Action Medical Youth Entertainment Champion revelled in the opportunity to play at The Sage (doing well to cope with the failing outside light and lack of internal lighting for their music stands) with Chris Jeans' troops demonstrating just why they've picked up so many awards in recent years.
 
A well chosen programme showcased their ensemble and solo strengths and throughout each of the thirteen pieces, the clarity of sound, tightness of ensemble and effective dynamics were delivered in sparkling fashion – from the opening 'The Champions' through to the closing 'One Voice'.
 
Bright flower

The band's soprano cornet, Jack Wilson delivered a lovely controlled sound in 'Flowerdale' whilst there was a real spring in the step of 'Soul Bossa Nova' 

Thomas Fountain took centre stage on trumpet for 'Georgia on My Mind' before the hymn tune 'Deep Harmony' was delivered with controlled dynamics and precise ensemble playing.

Multitude of styles

The quartet of pieces, a selection from 'Mary Poppins', 'Abide with Me', 'Caravan' and Goff Richards' 'Breezin' Down Broadway' were played with aplomb whilst the xylophone duo of Greg Burns and Jonathan Abbott had great fun in the popular 'Czardas'.

To close, as darkness fell outside, an upbeat 'Valero' was followed by the encores, 'The Cossack' and 'One Voice' with the bands full sound being heard widely as they spread themselves around the concourse.

Malcolm Wood