Conference hits the right note
THE Annual Northern Conference of The British Association of Symphonic Wind Bands and Ensembles (BASBWE) took place at Scarisbrick Hall School over the weekend of November 26 and 27.
This highly significant event also saw the launch of the BASBWE and Scarisbrick Hall School Partnership – The International Centre for Wind Ensemble Education (ICWE).
The launch weekend and annual conference were a huge success with more than 180 musicians taking part during the weekend’s activities.
World class soloists and tutors led sectional rehearsals and massed band rehearsals, as well as the chair of BASBWE and film composer, Bill Connor, leading a creative improvisation workshop.
Saturday night saw the massed band of ICWE perform several new works for wind band, composed by Andy Scott and Michael Betteridge, alongside some more familiar repertoire.
The highlight of the evening concert was a world premiere performance of Voyage Of Valour, composed by Adam Roberts, which was commissioned by BASBWE especially for the weekend.
Sunday started with a composers’ workshop where up and coming composers, including A level music students from Scarisbrick Hall, had the opportunity to hear their works performed live by a full-scale wind band and received valuable feedback from composers Bill Connor and Andy Scott.
In the build-up to the event, students at Scarisbrick Hall have received weekly workshops sessions with Mr Connor.
The culmination of this hard work was the performance of a piece of music they had composed called A Rumble In The Sky for full symphonic wind orchestra.
All the pupils joined with the orchestra and pupils from Our Lady of Lourdes for the premiere performance in front of a packed audience at the Scarisbrick Hall School Theatre.
For musicians and vocalists in the local area there is the opportunity to join the new Saturday Performing Arts School at Scarisbrick Hall School.
This gives young people the chance to work and train with leading musicians, dance and drama teachers to achieve the highest of standards.
For further information, please contact the school on 01704 841151 or email enquiries@ scarisbrickhallschool.co.uk
Following on from a highly successful weekend, Scarisbrick Hall School’s performing and visual arts faculty is now presenting a jazz master class concert featuring international jazz soloists, Dennis Rollins (trombone) and Alan Barnes (alto saxophone).
This will take place at the school on Saturday, January 21.
The next BASBWE meeting will take place on October 20, 21 and 22 2017.