Training
The SWBBA hold two workshops annually, one for all brass players and the other focusing on a specific instrument.
The SWBBA hold two workshops annually, one for all brass players and the other focusing on a specific instrument.
The Workshop will be held at West Buckland School near Barnstaple North Devon on Saturday February 10th and Sunday February 11th 2024. Registration will be at 09.30 hours on Saturday with the course commencing at 10.00 hours and a finish at 17.45 hours. On Sunday arrive 9.30 hours to commence playing at 10.00 hours with a course finish at 16.00 hours with a free concert for friends and family.
We are delighted that the tutors in attendance will be from the 2023 British Open Champions Fodens Band. Michael Fowles (Musical Director) Mark Wilkinson (Principal Cornet), Gary Curtin ( Principal Euphonium).
We anticipate the event will be as popular as ever and therefore will have a limit of 100 players, be sure to return your applications early to avoid disappointment.
As in previous years there will be an excellent choice of food available at very reasonable costs. Tea and coffee will be provided free of charge as always.
We look forward to welcoming participants both old and new.
Closing date for applications is 8th January 2024.
Tutor - Richard Marshall BA(Hons), LRSM, Principal Cornet, Black Dyke Mills Band
SWBBA are delighted to host another event in our popular series of workshops.
Aimed at cornet (soprano and Bb) and flugel players who are already playing to an intermediate standard, the Cornet and Flugel Workshop will be held on Saturday 25th November 2023 from 10am to 5pm at St Francis Church Hall, Woolbrook Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9XH and tutored by the top class and much respected player and cornet teacher, Richard Marshall. Richard is cornet tutor at Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has recorded many solo CDs. This is a workshop not to be missed!
Just bring a packed lunch, your instrument and a music stand. There is plenty of parking onsite. Please contact us if you require further information:
Cost will be: Adults £30, Under 18's £25.
Applications are open to members of SWBBA member bands and non-SWBBA members bands and are now being accepted!
Closing date for applications is 11th November 2023.
After being thwarted by Covid since 2020 South West Brass Band Association took the bold step of holding their 23rd Mid-Winter Brass Workshop at West Buckland School near Barnstaple in North Devon on February 11th and 12th.
The tutors were Christopher Binns (Trombone), Adam Bokaris (Euphonium) from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band of “Brassed Off” fame and Stephanie Binns (Flugel) from the famous Black Dyke Band.
A group of some 70 participants enjoyed an educational and musically enjoyable weekend superbly led by the very popular trio of tutors.
The participants came from all over the South West and as far afield as London.
The newly awarded “Mervyn Sweet Memorial Shield” for the best young musician over the weekend was presented to James Reynolds of Sidmouth Town Band. The shield had been given to the SWBBA in Mervyn’s memory by his family with the wish it was to be awarded to a young player. The winner was selected by the tutors and presented by Mr Mervyn Way (M Way & Son Transport Ltd) the main sponsor of the event.
Presentations were also made by SWBBA President Sue Richards to Keith Gibbs, SWBBA retiring Treasurer and John Croker, SWBBA retiring Minute Secretary, who between them clocked up decades of dedicated service to the Association.
After two days of hard work by the participants the weekend culminated in a short free concert featuring the music that had been worked on.
The catering was provided by Jenny Edwards and her helpers and was deemed to be first class.
Following the success of the weekend the Association are already making plans to stage another event in 2024.'
