BBE is offering bands and audience members the chance to participate in a number of free workshops at the next Youth Champs, due to take place on 25 March at Stockport Grammar School.
Workshops were first introduced at last year’s event, and due to the popularity of these sessions, they will be returning again this year. Workshops will be supported by a small ensemble of musicians from the British Army Band Catterick, who will serve as a demonstration band for a number of activities, whilst also delivering their own ‘Aspire’ sessions throughout the day. The workshop schedule is as follows.
Workshop 1: Wand Workshop (introduction to conducting) with the Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) (10:30 -11:30) (15:30-16:30)
Participants will be able to learn from BBCA members how to conduct a brass band! They will be encouraged to demonstrate a number of different musical styles, expertly portrayed by the British Army Band Catterick. Participants will also be able to design their own conducting baton to take home with them.
Workshop 2: Training Bands for band leaders, led by Paul Fisher (14:00 - 15:00) (18:30-19:30)
This workshop is designed for anyone interested in starting their own beginner/ training band, or who has already done so, and needs some inspiration on resources, teaching techniques and people management. BBE’s Brass Foundations specialist Paul Fisher, who has successfully grown the Amersham Band organisation into a flourishing youth programme, will lead this session, and will use the small ensemble from British Army Band Catterick to demonstrate his techniques.
Workshop 3: British Army Band Catterick Aspire Session (12:00 - 13:00) (16:30 - 17:30)
“We look forward to inviting you to our ‘Aspire’ event, which will develop your students’ knowledge of music and give them an insight into British Army Music.
The event will showcase who we are and what we do, in a fun, interactive and engaging way. We will be covering numerous aspects of music and performing some fantastic pieces. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Workshop 4: BBE’s Brass Foundation’s workshop (to take place at the conclusion of the Besson Prodige Showcase Section. c. 13:30-13:50)
A fun, interactive session to entertain participants prior to the results ceremony.
Alongside workshop opportunities, participation in the day includes the opportunity to perform, listen to other youth bands, and meet a range of traders and exhibitors.
Audience tickets are available now at an advance rate of £5 for children, £13 for adults, and free for under 5s. Tickets can be booked from the Youth Champs tickets page on the Brass Bands England website.