Youth Commissions & Training Project 2002/2003
End of Project Review
The Project was to install a computer system, commission two new works for youth brass bands, provide training by the composers in the bands' own rehearsal rooms and to have a professional group to assist with that training and to give a closing recital. The budget for the project was just over eighteen thousand five hundred pounds.
Commissions
The Association commissioned two works for Youth Bands. The first, "A Sutton Hoo Suite", by Stuart Johnson, is a musical gem for bands with players under fifteen years of age. The second, "A University Suite", by Derek Broadbent, is more comprehensive, for players under the nineteen years of age. Again, it is superbly written, has been well received and is an important additional work for young bands. To read more about the two test pieces go to
musictobeproudofWe wish to thank Derek Broadbent and Stuart Johnson for once again composing two musical suites of exceptional quality. "A Sutton Hoo Suite", by Stuart Johnson, really captures the spirit of this historic site and is a real gem for bands with young players. "A University Suite", by Derek Broadbent, is more technically demanding for older and more experienced youth players. Again, the three movements portray well the subjects of the work.
The Training Courses
8th February 2003
Martlesham Junior Youth Band and Martlesham Brass
The Course was held at St. Michaels Church, Martlesham Heath. The work studied by both bands was "A Sutton Hoo Suite" with the composer heading the course. Over sixty young players formed the two bands but some thirty senior members also took advantage to listen to the proceedings throughout the day. Members of the professional group, Sonar Brass, sat in with the young people throughout the day, took sectional rehearsals and gave a concluding recital, which was played before a large audience. This course was a huge success and gave a tremendous kick-start to the series of courses.
22nd February 2003
Fulbourn & Teversham Junior Youth Band and Open Youth Band
The course was held at the Netherhall Lower School, Cambridge. The Junior Band studied "A Sutton Hoo Suite" with the composer heading the course. The Open Youth Band studied "A University Suite" with Derek Broadbent heading the course. Most of the members of the Junior Band also play with the older group and to their great credit, played throughout the day. Parents were in attendance at various times throughout the day. Again, the members of Sonar Brass participated, as at Martlesham, with their concluding recital again being enjoyed by a large audience.
23rd February 2003
Great Yarmouth Youth Brass Band
The course was held at the Norfolk Sixth Form College, Gorleston-on-Sea. The band studied "A University Suite", with the composer, Derek Broadbent, heading the course. Sonar Brass acted in their usual capacity, with their recital being enjoyed by a large audience. This again was a huge success with the band officials being delighted with the outcome of the project.
5th April 2003
Newmarket Town Youth
The course was held at Exning Upper School, Newmarket. The band was formed during 2002/2003 and has a limited membership. The study music was "A Sutton Hoo Suite" with Mr Shaun Crowther, an accomplished brass player with Sonar Brass, heading the course. Intense sectional rehearsals took place with the young players who played with great enthusiasm. The project has helped to establish this very young band.
27th April 2003
Bishops Stortford Junior Youth, Open Youth, and Intermediate Bands
The course was held at Bray Grove Youth Centre, Harlow, with Mr Derek Broadbent heading the three sessions. Members of Great Bardfield Youth Band also participated with the Junior Youth Band, which studied "A Sutton Hoo Suite". The Open Youth and Intermediate Bands studied "A Cambridge University Suite". The members of Sonar Brass took sectional rehearsals for the three bands. Like all the junior bands, members of this Junior Youth Band were very young and greatly improved their musicianship within the limited time available.
Assessment at the EABBA Spring Festival-11th May 2003
Bishop Stortford Junior Youth, Martlesham Brass Junior Youth and Fulbourn & Teversham Junior Youth entered the Junior Youth Class at the above Festival.
Bishop Stortford Open Youth, Great Yarmouth Brass Youth, Fulbourn & Teversham Open Youth bands participated in the Open Youth Class.
Martlesham Brass Intermediate ("A Sutton Hoo Suite") and Bishops Stortford Intermediate Band ("A University Suite") entered Class "C".
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216 youth players from the nine listed bands participated. It was encouraging to see that so many senior players also attended the courses and at times 'sneaked in' to have a blow! This project can only be hailed as a tremendous success.
SONAR BRASS
Alan Morrison, Richard Marshall, Owen Farr, Shaun Crowther, Nick Hudson
The contribution made by Sonar Brass was phenomenal. Each member sat in with the young people and helped them with their parts. They each also headed sectional rehearsals, which eased the load of the Course Leaders. At the end of each course the group gave a recital so that the young people (and some not so young who took advantage of the opportunity) were made aware of the heights that can be reached. And what heights! The playing was described as "awesome" and more than one parent was heard to say, "Didn't know players could play like that"! It was a great pleasure to listen to the group and the variation in their programmes.
Music played
March - The Waltonian - Pride & Prejudice (Martin Ellerby) - Anything Goes (arr. Alan Fernie)-Five Elizabethan Dances - I Got Rhythm (complete with 'vocal') - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square - Maria (arr L. Gayle) - Beauty and the Beast - Tribute to MGM
Two Sleepy People - When I'm 64 - Procession of the Nobles - Another Opening Another Show (T. Roberts) - Air on the G String - Folk Song Fantasy - Harlem Rag Pavan
Thanks to deputy players Leslie Howie, Jonathan Beattie, Murray Grieg, Gareth Small and Brian Taylor . We also wish to thank the Group's manager, Philip Biggs for his help throughout the project.
The Association wishes to thank the following contributors to Partnership Funding that made this project possible
Boosey & Hawkes Musical Instruments Ltd. - The John Jarrold Trust
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