International Brass Band Summer School
Course Director; Prof Nicholas Childs
Principal Sponsor Geneva Group
Over 120 delegates from 10 different countries enjoyed the end of course Gala concert at the magnificent Great Hall to celebrate the 32nd International Brass Band Summer school.
IBBSS is held at the University of Wales, Swansea in the beautiful surroundings of the Gower peninsular. It was Sun, Sea, wonderful music making and fun.
“The course was directed by Professor Nicholas Childs, who has such a great awareness of individuals capabilities, knowing how to motivate and bring out the very best.” John Fricker, Bristol, Euphonium
IBBSS is all about developing your playing in a holiday atmosphere with like-minded people. “You arrive as delegates and leave as friends.” Alison Childs, Course Administrator
The course accommodation included individual en-suite accommodation, breakfast, evening meal and all tutorials. Tuition included Individual lessons, Full Band rehearsals, Sectional practices, Ensemble tuition, Conducting and Sight-Reading sessions which included Edward Gregson’s Essay, Gilbert Vinter’s Spectrum an dthe silver ensemble enjoyed Gregson’s Voices of Youth.
The tutors included:
Cornets Richard Marshall – Black Dyke, Tom Hutchinson – Cory, Horns Owen Farr, Euphoniums and Baritones Gary Curtin –Fodens, Trombones Brett Baker – Black Dyke, Tubas Matt Routley – Black Dyke.
Each night we enjoyed outstanding solo recitals from these world class tutors.
A new concept for 2024 was the Geneva Quartet Challenge, where delegates practised their own individual parts and the names were put into a hat to be drawn out, not knowing who their playing partners were to be until the actual performance. “This proved to be a great initiative and we hope to develop the idea creating an exciting and performance opportunity.” Simon Miller, Geneva Instruments
Delegates rehearsed solos with the fabulous resident accompanist, Chris Williams, (Accompanist at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama), some performed in the Delegates Concert at the end of the week in the wonderful acoustic of the Great Hall.
“Can I just say thank you to everyone for making this week another one for the books. It’s different every year, but the amazing people that form this family are a constant. Music brought us together, but IBBSS is about much more than that. Looking forward to next year, with more music, friends and special conversations.” Nico Lustberg, Netherlands
Wednesday evening IBBSS created 3 bands to perform a Brass in Contest, featuring entertainment programmes including a set work, being the march from the third movement from Sir Arthur Bliss’ Kenilworth.
“I have fond memories till the day I die! the work you put in is off the scale. I must have made friends with everyone. “ Martin Ryan, Euphonium, Ireland
There was a wonderful group of 30 delegates from Norway who also performed in the ensemble concert performing Torstein Aargard Nilsen Viking Church with their special guest conductor Philip Goodwin.
The Norwegian group leader commented:
“We all gained so much from this inspartional course it was like being on holiday with brass band royalty.” Jonny Saelemyr, Eb Tuba and conductor, Flora Band, Norway.
The course offered conducting opportunities with workshop classes with specific delegates who were given the opportunity to hone their skills in the Brass in Concert and in Cardinal and Symphony rehearsals under the watchful eye of course director Nicholas Childs. We hope to develop this concept even further in future years.
There was also a large group of delegates from Switzerland, Swiss National Day on 1st August was a celebration with their own performance and the sharing of the traditional Swiss chocolate!
“Thanks for an amazing week and tremendous organisation, I am already looking forward to next year.” Valery Fessler, Melodia Brass Band, Switzerland.
Thursday night ensembles performed in a concert environment. The evening with the IBBSS ladies ensemble ‘Girls Alone’, showcasing Phoebe Mallinson performing Children of Sanchez, with the finale of Alan Fernie’s We Have All the Time in the World.
“A big thank you for a fabulous week. I only wished l had attended the course a few years ago unfortunately life gets in the way, but no longer, and I will be back!.” Tina Lewis, Leicester, Euphonium
A big thanks to our Principal Sponsor Geneva and course sponsors Michael Rath Trombones, Denis Wick, Adams Percussion, Obrasso Verlag, Prima Vista Musikk, Wright & Round Music, World of Brass, Brass Band World, Kapitol Promotions, 7 Elements Global, Nicola Morris Trust and GJ Marketing.
Check out the latest photos and videos from this year’s course at IBBSS Facebook.
IBBSS has two single bands, Cardinal and Symphony, who join to make up the massed band. The end of course Gala Concert in the Great Hall featured music included Eric Ball’s Star Lake, Peter Graham’s Triquetra and To Boldly Go, Rossini’s Thievish Magpie, Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man, with the added bonus of world class soloists Owen Farr in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Brett Baker with Don Lusher classic, Concert Variations with the massed bands performing Entry of the Gladiators, and finale of Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance.
After a great concert the delegates had Karaoke and the legendary end of course party, which finished on a different day to when it started!!
Bookings are already being taken for 2025, 28th July – 2nd August. To secure your place for a £20 holding fee contact Alison Childs, alison4horn@btinternet.com Or download your pdf application from www.ibbss.com