The IBBSS

WORLD CLASS
TEACHERS

Our tutors are some of the best musicians, teachers and experts in the world. They’re also some of the best people too!

AMAZING LOCATION

Our international course is based in an iconic UK destination, with many exciting things to do and see in the area! Not to mention the exceptional course venue facilities. and accommodation!

​UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITIES

We offer the very best performance, educational and social opportunities for our delegates.​ Including solo and ensemble performances and individual lessons!

The IBBSS looks forward to giving our guests a warm welcome. The quality of the faculty virtually ensures a high-octane adventure for everyone involved.  Located at University of Wales, Swansea, which overlooks the majestic panorama of Swansea Bay, all participants will be spoilt for choice both in the realm of music and holidaying options on offer.

As in any learning situation, the bottom line rests with the quality of the faculty, and in this case, it is as good as it gets anywhere in the world. Each member of the faculty is internationally renowned, not only for their musical and performance expertise but also their social skills, a consequence of a regular diet of globe-trotting, performing and conducting master-classes to people of all ages and abilities.

 

 It was famously said of the Artistic Director, Dr. Nicholas Childs, that if he had played the cello rather than the euphonium, his name would have been Rostropovich. He is now perhaps more widely known as Artistic Director of the world-famous Black Dyke Band.

Meanwhile, the instrumental tutors represent the cream of Britain’s incredibly talented core of brilliant instrumentalists: the incredible Tom Hutchinson from The Cory Band,  Daniel Thomas, Richard Marshall and Brett Baker from Black Dyke, Freelance soloist Owen Farr and Gary Curtin from the Fodens Band. Under their expert tutelage you will be given the opportunity to explore new repertoire, meet new friends and generally have a fantastic time.

For those applicants who possess an overwhelming desire to seriously improve their all-round playing skills and musical understanding, then, without doubt, they have chosen wisely, for the fixed intention is to provide them with a learning experience of a lifetime, whilst still allowing time and space for holiday fun. If the aim is to balance a general improvement in overall playing standards with making new like-minded friends, whilst enjoying a little more time in the sun amidst great surroundings, then look no further. In short, everyone enrolled in the summer course will be able to design a great banding holiday with precisely as much music making as is desired. The International Brass Band Summer School also caters for non-participating and non-residential visitors. For those who want to brush up on their brass band skills whilst their partners soak up the sun in a sublime environment, rest assured, this will resemble Christmas in the summer.

2023

CLICK IMAGE FOR 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

2024

LESSONS FROM YOUR HEROES

Study and learn with your brass playing heroes, you can even have an individual lesson with them!

SOLO PERFORMAN-CES

Perform that solo you've been working on with professional piano accompaniment, to an audience!

BAND SOCIALS

It wouldn't be a summer school without the socialising, from Becky's bar to informal concerts and quizzes, we've got it all!

PLAYING & CONDUCTING CLASSES

Improve your sight-reading, technique, musicianship and conducting skills in our masterclasses and study sessions!

YOUR HOLIDAY, YOU CHOOSE

We know it's your holiday, so you're in control at all times! Want more downtime on beach or want more tutition - we've got you covered!

2023 MASSED BANDS PERFORMANCE

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Happy New Year everyone! From IBBSS HQ! 🍾✨ Bring on IBBSS2024!!

International Brass Band Summer School Announces 2024 Attractions 🎶 🎺 ☀️ 🌊 There is plenty on offer at the course in Swansea in 2024!! 🎺🎶☀️🌊🏖️ The International Brass Band Summer School has confirmed its list of tutors who will lead the course at University of Wales Bay Campus, Swansea in 2024. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The IBBSS course, supported by Geneva Musical Instruments attracts international delegates from across the banding world, and will run from 29th July to- 3rd August under Music Director Prof Nicholas Childs.✨ The delegates will once again benefit from the expertise from world class tutors, Richard Marshall, Tom Hutchinson, Owen Farr, Brett Baker, Gary Curtin and Matt Routley.🎶 “Speaking to 4br direct — Sun, Sea and Brass brings people together to enjoy, as well as challenge, themselves in a fantastic holiday atmosphere. You attend as a delegate and leave as friends”. He added: "We have so much to offer with incredible tutors, superb music, tailored skills teaching and loads of fun extras to go with the excellent accommodation and additional attractions. In addition to band rehearsals there will be sectionals, the IBBSS Brass in Concert, Ensemble events including our special Girls Alone Band, individual lessons and every evening solo recitals from our star tutors." Book your place. www.ibbss.com Download your pdf application form or for more information please contact Administrator Alison Childs: Alison4horn@btinternet.com Denis Wick Products 4barsrest Geneva Instruments Wright & Round Music Publishers Kirklees Music Michael Rath Trombones Prima Vista Musikk Obrasso National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain World of Brass Adams Percussion Brass Band World GJMarketingAgency

Now the dust is settling, another fun filled IBBSS and concert done. We can’t wait to see you all next year. Check out our concert write up from 4barsrest’s Iwan Fox and if you’re going home, get home safe but if you’re carrying on, make sure it’s one to remember! 🍻🎺 https://www.4barsrest.com/news/56647/multi-lingual- celebrations-as-ibbss-comes-to-an-end #IBBSS2023 #Homesafeeveryone #swansea #4barsrest #concert

IBBSS Diary Day 4! Ensembles Day! 🎶 🎺 ABRSM Michael Rath Trombones Kirklees Music GJMarketingAgency Adams Percussion World of Brass National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain Kapitol Promotions Obrasso Geneva Instruments Wright & Round Music Publishers Denis Wick Products Prima Vista Musikk 7 Elements Global ( 7elements.org.uk ) #Ibbss2023 #swansea #diaryday4 #Brassband #BrassinConcert Owen Farr Richard Marshall Matthew Routley Brett Baker Gary Curtin