Youth band returns as restrictions eased
BTM Next Generation has hit the ground running since the relaxation of restrictions within Wales.
They are looking to recruit aspiring young brass players to join their very successful youth band.
If you or anyone that you know is interested in learning to play a trumpet/cornet/trombone/drums just get in touch.
Stringent Covid safety measures are in place and there are excellent facilities too.
The BTM website – www.btmband. wales – is well worth a visit and you can find out all the information about the band and what it can do for you.
Playing a brass instrument or percussion can lead to many advantages in later life.
There are many professional musicians who owe their livelihood to brass bands, which started them off playing an instrument.
Being a player can be an advantage for a career in the military, but the great education and social life that exists in the brass band world is an excellent environment for children to experience, which can help enormously in building self confidence, self discipline, co-operation, responsibility and finding friendships that will last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, the very popular International Brass Band Summer School Course in Swansea University, led by Professor Nicholas Childs, due to take place from August 1-7, has been cancelled.
This excellent event has been going for some years and has attracted delegates from all over the world.
It had been all systems go until the spreading of the recent outbreak and after consultations, re: requirements, under present circumstances it proved to be imposible to safely hold the event.
Nicholas Childs, Course Director, told 4BR: “This is immensely disappointing for everyone involved, especially for the delegates who enjoy such a wonderful time at the course each year.
“However, with Covid-19 safety paramount, we have listened and acted upon the latest guidance from the correct sources, and although disappointed to make the decision, we know it is also the right one to take.
“We are determined, however, to ensure that we will return in 2022 bigger and better and able to offer the type of musical experience that has made the International Brass Band Summer School into the leading event of its kind in the banding world.
“We also intend to hold a virtual course that will be free to the delegates who have already registered in 2021 to say thankyou for their continued support.”
(Thanks to 4BR)
The light at the end of that tunnel seems to be getting dimmer by the day.
The draw for the 2021 Brass in Concert Championships which should have taken place on Monday, June 21 has been postponed due to a positive Covid-19 test at Ringway Primary School in Sheepwash, Northumberland.
A spokesman for Brass in Concert told 4BR that the organisers had been informed of the positive test and with health and safety in mind it was decided to postpone the draw. It will be done as soon as possible.
The children of Ringway Primary School were to make the draw for the 44th Brass in Concert Championships live on Facebook.
They were also due to give a short performance.
The school has been involved in the Youth Music-funded ‘Ashington to Bedlington Building Brass’ project for the past five years and pupils from the school have also attended Brass in Concert during that time.