Delegate Reviews 2023
Sue Bohanna – Flugel Horn – France
“A Delegate’s Perspective”
2023 saw the much-awaited EIBBSS first visit to Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire.
Accommodation was at Houseman Hall, the boarding site for the school. The main school campus, a short walk away, was the venue for everything other than bed and breakfast. Lunch and dinner were served on the main campus site where the food was plentiful and varied, with special arrangements for those with specific dietary requirements.
The excellent course tutors (carefully selected from the UK’s top brass bands and well known to most of us) were assigned their various sections. The repertoire from which we were to work comprised a mix of light and serious music, some old, some new, some traditional, some modern – a selection to suit all tastes. There were some notable solo performances from various of the tutors to delight our concert audience.
The band of 83 players which was truly international featured delegates from Norway, Finland, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany and the USA – and of course all parts of the UK –brought together by a common love of brass bands and music! There were many returning delegates, one couple having attended all 10 summer schools!! The group quickly settled from day one to the task in hand and rehearsals were intense but still enjoyable.
The carefully planned itinerary for the week was a mix of sectionals, individual tuition and full band rehearsals under the expert eye of Course Director, Philip Harper – a man truly skilled in coaxing the best out of everyone. There was an outdoor concert at a nearby park, and the Delegates Concert on the final day. Other highlights included an opportunity for delegates to perform in front of other delegates and tutors, a Tutor’s Concert and finally, a concert by the Cory Band – invited in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the EIBBSS.
Free time was built into the itinerary and at the end of each day, many of the delegates decamped to the nearest Wetherspoons to socialise.
The whole event, as usual, was managed by a dedicated and hardworking team, ably headed by Carole Crompton.
For me, this was a rare and welcome opportunity to immerse myself in the genre of music I love. As a social occasion and a chance to meet like-minded individuals, to share experiences and make friends, this is an amazing opportunity not to be missed. For anyone considering dipping a toe in the water in 2024, the advice is – don’t spend too long thinking about it, because spaces are being snapped up!
Julia Trinder – Percussion – Oxfordshire
I recently returned from my 3rd consecutive year at EIBBSS and have to say, it was better than ever. I thoroughly enjoyed the previous 2 summer schools, but, a combination of the new venue in Bromsgrove, the excellent quality and choice of food, plus the concert venue, really raised the bar yet again. Each year Delegates benefit from exceptionally talented and experienced Tutors. For us in Percussion Section, there is simply no better pairing than Steve Jones and Gareth Hand. The course is fairly fast paced, and the music pieces are a high standard. But, even as a section 4 player, I am able to push myself to a level I’m not normally required to. Learning huge amounts, and, having fun too. The course is designed for Delegates to have time to socialise, meet and gain new friends, and have lots of fun. The course fee is excellent value for money, considering what is included, it is clear the organisers want to provide a service that is as inclusive as possible to all budgets. I am already signed up for next year, and intend to make the course an annual fixture in my diary. Well done to all the EIBBSS team, you’re providing something that is super special, and it is a privilege to be a delegate, especially now the Artistic Director is Philip Harper. He clearly enjoys getting to know as many delegates as he can, and involve himself in the after rehearsal socialising too. An exceptionally gifted musician and composer, with an easygoing nature, we are fortunate to have him now heading the line up.
Mary Goodland – Baritone – Warwickshire
EIBBSS was everything and more!
Exceptional enthusiastic tutors at a well organised event. Philip Harper was our MD so a dream come true for me!
Playing alongside approximately 80 friendly delegates was uplifting and rewarding. Working at preparing two programmes for an indoor and outdoor concert was a joy to be part of.
Our MD and tutors sensitively guided us through playing difficulties which was so reassuring.
This amazing week has certainly left it’s mark as an exciting, fun and social music event.
The food and Kitchen staff were excellent and I appreciated that my dairy allergy was well noted.
Roll on EIBBSS 2024.
(Lynne Edwards) – Connor Edwards – Gloucestershire- 2023 Principal Cornet and youngest delegate on the course.
My 15 year old son attended his first ever EIBBSS course this year ’23, and I must say that we both had the best experience ever with the organisation, reassurance and guidance throughout with Carole Crompton. Her excellent administration skills, and patience are to be commended. Carole put our minds at rest at every opportunity, and we can thoroughly recommend this course to any young musician without hesitancy. In fact, if you don’t go, you are missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime that is how Connor saw it. He was simply blown away by everything.
The course content, tutors and catering (especially for a lad who can eat for England!) were all perfect – A1 in fact… My son had an amazing time. Everyone was friendly, encouraging and the fast pace of the course to fit so much in suited his passion for music. There was no time to be bored, everyone gushing with such enthusiasm just made the whole week fly he said! His confidence was boosted and he was a different lad when he returned home. It was absolutely worth the money, and the whole week was just a whirlwind of excitement, learning and information.
His highlights were to meet and be taught by top musicians from top bands and to top it all off, a solo piece written for him by Phillip Harper! Connor particularly enjoyed the individual sessions, and the venue was just stunning too. We had no worries all the time he was at the EIBBSS, especially being so young, but he fitted in a treat, everyone was so welcoming towards him, and he particularly enjoyed the fact that tutors and delegates socialised and ate together too. He got to know so many people and it was such an enjoyable week for him that he hasn’t stopped talking about it still, and it’s now September!
My son made 80 new friends and the top class programme was inspiring for him. In fact he booked onto next year’s course before he had even left the venue! He was highly emotional at the end of the course, culminating with an excellent concert and a performance by Cory band too. What a treat for us visiting and the delegates. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Everyone’s passion and dedication is simply outstanding. Well done Carole and team. We look forward to an equally excellent summer school in 24!
Lyn Edwards (mother of the youngest delegate on the ’23 course)
Paul Johnson – Bass – Warwickshire
If you are looking for a week of music making with welcoming staff, like minded musicians and top professional tutors, I would definitely recommend EIBBSS.
Being a Bass player I was tutored by Les Neish. His knowledge, enthusiasm and guidance helped me during my own private lesson and Bass sectionals, to play the course music to a good standard for the two designated concerts.
In general, the tutors socialised with the delegates and offered their support throughout the week. Our conductor, Philip Harper was one of the highlights. His patience and encouragement regarding players of different abilities was very reassuring and there was no feeling of pressure.
There was a chance during the week to work on solos, duets and ensembles with the support of a piano accompaniment.
Set in lovely surroundings with good accommodation and tasty food, I would highly recommend this excellent social music summer school.
5Catherine Cross – Euphonium – London
I must admit that when one of my band mates suggested I go to the summer school I was less than keen. I imagined that everyone would be much better than me, the music would be too taxing and did I really want to spend a whole week playing in band! Well, I’m now signed up for my third year! There are better players than me of course, but it matters not one jot, everyone is encouraging and trying to do their best. The music is challenging. Learning and mastering (ahem) two concert programmes in such a short period of time tests technique and sight reading, but we have lots of help. The standard of tutoring is quite amazing. Where else can you have one to one access to some of the finest brass players in the world. They certainly know their stuff; they are incredibly helpful and don’t judge. The course h transformed how I practice and play and has accelerated my improvement. And above all it’s really enjoyable. New music, techniques, approaches all clearly explained and at the right levels, and to put the cherry on the cake we now have Phillip Harper, perhaps the best conductor in the business! The delegates are also very nice, welcoming and friendly and I have made several new friends. The facilities in which we rehearse and stay are also very good. I’ve eulogised about it so much that I’ve persuaded another three new bandies to come next year – I think I may have talked about the evenings in the pub a bit too much!