A new week of outstanding brass band music-making at a more relaxed pace
The Elgar International Brass Band Summer School is delighted to announce EIBBSS Encore, a new residential course offering musicians the opportunity to enjoy the distinctive EIBBSS experience at a more relaxed pace.
Encore will take place at Bromsgrove School from Monday, 19th July to Friday 23 July 2027, immediately before the established EIBBSS Summer School, which runs from 24 to 30 July 2027 (With early arrivals on the 23rd).
The new course has been created in response to conversations with delegates who value the friendship, professional tuition and shared music-making of EIBBSS but would welcome more time to become comfortable with the repertoire and a timetable with a little more breathing space.
EIBBSS Encore will retain the qualities for which the Summer School has become known: excellent musical leadership, specialist tuition from leading brass musicians, sectional and full-band rehearsals, first-class residential facilities and the warm sense of community at the heart of every EIBBSS course.
The difference will be one of pace.
Delegates will work on a carefully selected programme of rewarding and enjoyable music, with fewer pieces, more rehearsal time and greater opportunity for individual support. The daily schedule will be designed to allow musicians to develop their playing without the pressure of an intensive rehearsal programme.
EIBBSS Director Carole Crompton said:
“EIBBSS has grown enormously, both in the number of people attending and in the musical standard achieved by our delegate bands. We are immensely proud of that progress, but we also recognise that not every musician wants a fast-moving and highly intensive week.
“Many players would value more time with the music, additional support and the opportunity simply to enjoy making music in excellent company. Encore has been created for them.
“This will not be a course defined by age, grading or band section. It is for anyone who loves brass band music and prefers to experience it with a little more time and a little less pressure.”
Encore may particularly appeal to community and lower-section band musicians, players returning to their instruments after time away, those rebuilding confidence or stamina and experienced musicians looking for a sociable musical holiday.
It will also provide an opportunity for long-standing EIBBSS delegates to continue enjoying the friendships and musical experiences they have helped to establish over many years.
The week will include full-band rehearsals, sectional coaching, individual guidance, informal performance opportunities, social activities and a celebratory final concert for family and friends.
Carole added:
“The standards of teaching, care and hospitality will remain unmistakably EIBBSS. Encore is not about lowering expectations. It is about giving every musician the time, support and encouragement they need to make music confidently and enjoyably.
“No delegate should feel that they are holding back the band or struggling to keep pace. We want people to leave Encore feeling encouraged, valued and proud of what they have achieved.”
EIBBSS Encore will be open to adult brass and percussion players with experience of playing in a brass band or similar ensemble. There is no upper age limit and applications will not be restricted according to contesting section or formal musical qualifications.
Further details about the Artistic Director, tutors, fees and enrolment arrangements will be announced shortly.
Priority booking will be offered to previous EIBBSS delegates before places are made available more widely.
EIBBSS Encore
More time. Less pressure. Wonderful music-making.