Brass Workshop 2022
Following the success of our workshop day in 2021, we hosted another on the 20th of August 2022. The aim of the day was to invite young people from the region to try a brass instrument and show them just how fun playing a brass instrument can be! We welcomed both brand new players, and players who had some experience but could benefit from all of the professional tutelage we offered on the day.
The event was hosted by Ellington Colliery Band, with support from:
Helen Minshall of Brass Bands England
Martin and Danielle of Dopey Monkey
Ian Sankey, our professional tutor who also runs Brass Roots during their normal rehearsal schedule
A group of volunteers from the band.
The day started with a group warm up from our tutors to help everyone get to know each other, and to prepare them for playing a brass instrument.
We then split off into 2 groups: beginners and intermediate players.
The beginners were able to pick up either a trombone or cornet, and learn their first steps in playing brass instruments. They learned a short piece with Helen from BBE and made amazing progress in just an hour!
The intermediate players went with Martin and Danielle and learned the basics of improvising their own solo.
Just before we had our lunch break, we gathered as a full group and used the percussion instruments Helen brought to play short samba routine.
After lunch, we again split into our 2 groups and they went with the tutors they didn’t work with in the morning.
The beginner players also learned the basics of improvising with Martin and Danielle, and learned the piece that we would play to showcase these skills at the concert later on.
The intermediate players, most of whom attend Brass Roots during term time, went with Ian to learn a new piece to play at the concert later on so that they could show off their ability and show the beginners the kind of thing they could be doing if they decide to come along.
We then set up the main hall for our concert and gave the players the opportunity to have a dress rehearsal and put the finishing touches on their performances.
The players waited for parents to arrive and put on a real show for them! The progress that the new learners made in just a few hours of playing was incredible and Brass Roots really did themselves proud.
They learned so many skills, and remembered so much of the music, in just one day was amazing, and all of the volunteers and tutors were so impressed. Well played everyone!
If you'd like to learn more about Brass Roots and how to join, then click the button.