Yamaha supporting youth

Over 80 young brass players from all over Leicestershire and beyond recently spent a rewarding weekend developing their playing under the guidance of Yamaha Neo tutors Russell Gray, Lucy Cutt, Steve Walsh and Simon Gresswell. Richard Walker, Jack Fisher and Sean Doughty joined the Yamaha team as the youngsters, aged from 7- 19, enjoyed a mix of full band and sectional rehearsals across two days.

Organised by Enderby Youth and Junior Bands, the event was held at Lutterworth College and was made possible by generous funding received from Yamaha to cover the tuition costs of their artists. The 80 players were split into two bands; a Junior Band for players up to Grade 3 standard, and the Youth Band for the more experienced players.

Course Director Russell Gray led the Youth Band as they challenged themselves with a range of pieces, including Goff Richards's 'Hollywood', and Dan Price's 'Starburst'.

Speaking at the mini concert that concluded the event, Russell complimented the players on their work and dedication, and announced to a delighted audience that Yamaha had already expressed their intention of funding the event again in 2017.

The Junior Band played under a range of conductors, including Simon Gresswell who worked with them on an arrangement of 'Twelfth Street Rag', and Russell Gray, who led them on 'Chorale and Rock'. Trevor Hounsome and Sam McClumpha, MDs of the Enderby Youth and Junior Bands completed the conducting team.

Throughout the weekend a large support team of Enderby Band players and Youth Band parents were on hand to sit in on rehearsals, and provide supervision at break times. Russell Gray perfectly summed things up by telling the audience of parents and friends that the future of Midlands brass banding looked very bright.

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