Tuesday, April 2, 2013

English Brass Academy


English Brass Academy and South West Music School present:

Easter Course for Brass
Wellington School, Wellington, Somerset
2 - 5 April 2013

The Easter Brass Course is an exciting new collaboration between the English Brass Academy (EBA) and one of the UK's most innovative and dynamic arts organisations, South West Music School (SWMS).

Who are the English Brass Academy?
EBA's work is at the forefront of musical learning and provides high quality training by distinguished brass performers and educators. Led by international trumpet soloist Paul Archibald, the EBA team of tutors, some of which include Philippe Schartz, Paul Denegri, Simon Rayner, John Ryan, Christian Jones, John Kenny and Graham Sibley, and staff ensure the best in tuition and care for all participants.

SWMS is one of the national Centres of Advanced Training supported by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme. SWMS works with young people with exceptional talent and potential from the ages of 8 – 18 and has vast experience in delivering high quality educational and creative musical courses for young musicians of all levels and consults on music education at an international level.

What are the English Brass Academy offering?
Together, the English Brass Academy will be presenting a Brass Academy course and a Brass Studio course for young musicians from across the UK during Easter 2013.

Brass Academy is for all young brass players up to grade 8 standard ages 8 – 18. This course contains small and large ensemble work; creative composition workshops, performance preparation and organised activites.

Brass Studio is for advanced players (grade 8+) who would like to take their playing to the next level. This course contains masterclasses, chamber music, orchestral excepts, creative composition workshops, mock auditions, health & wellbeing and music career talks.

South West Music School is delighted to announce the support of the Leverhulme Trust for bursaries to attend the English Brass Academy Easter Course for the next three years.

Click here to download Brass Academy and Brass Studio application forms. With any queries please email info@englishbrassacademy.co.uk / info@swms.org.uk

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Launchpad Winners News Update: Ellipsis Wind Quintet and flautist Michael Liu

 
The Ellipsis Quintet
photo credit: stmartin-in-the-fields.org
The Ellipsis Quintet were the Royal Academy of Music Launchpad winners for 2010/2011

Earlier this month, the Ellipsis Wind Quintet, featuring the pianist Chiao-Ying Chang (prize winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition 2003) performed:
  • Danzi: Wind Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 56 No. 1
  • Milhaud: La Chemineé du Roi René, Op. 205
  • Poulenc: Sextet for Piano and Wind Quintet
at the Picture Gallery, the Foundling Museum in Brunswick Square, London.

Also, earlier this year, Ellipsis Wind Quintet's flautist Michael Liu performed the Khachaturian Flute Concerto at the St John's Smith Square. It was Michael's London concerto debut, and all three movements can be seen here in full:


And here's Michael again, who managed to get himself on TV!


For more information, please visit: www.EllipsisQuintet.com and www.ChiaoYingChang.com and www.michaelliuflute.com 
 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

South West Youth Orchestra 2013


Applications are now open for South West Youth Orchestra

18th - 22nd August 2013

Following on from the success of last years' course, South West Youth Orchestra is returning for another year!

Applications are now open to join the orchestra for exceptionally talented young musicians aged 13—21 years in the South West.

Rehearse and perform challenging repertoire alongside a team of world-class orchestral professionals, under the direction of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s engaging and talented Assistant Conductor, Maxime Tortelier.

If you are Grade 8 (or equivalent standard) on an orchestral instrument and live in the South West, then this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Repertoire includes:
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Bernstein Symphonic Dances (West Side Story)

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sinfonia d'Amici: Hansel and Gretel


With the help of animated projections and story telling, Sinfonia D’Amici bring to life this opera for children and adults alike. Prepare yourself for a surprise at the end of Act Three! 


We are proud to be supporting the incredibly talented Sinfonia d'Amici for their upcoming concert performance of Hansel & Gretel at LSO St Luke's on 5th April. Should be an amazing evening!

Click here for tickets

Monday, February 18, 2013

March 10th 2013: Nottingham Spring SaxDay


Vandoren UK will be attending the Spring Nottingham Saxophone Day at University of Nottingham, Sarah Markham Vandoren artist is one of the tutors for the day. Come and try a new Vandoren Sax mouthpiece, Ligature or trial a new Vandoren reed. If you need anything specific, contact Windblowers. See you there!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Stop CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL from making 100% Cuts to their County Music Service


CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL: Stop them making 100% cuts to their County Music Service.  


This is appalling news - please do what you can to voice your concern. If you would like to sign the petition, please click here.

Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service (CCVGMS) is deep in history and has benefitted thousands of young people in introducing them to music. These cuts would take away its inclusion and access for all students. The council MUST continue to support the Music Service in order for it to carry on its high quality of music tuition it offers.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Superbrass: Under the Spell of Spain

     

A live take from the sessions for the Superbrass CD: "Under the Spell of Spain". 


The recording took place at Music Bank Studios, London on March 10th & 11th 2001. It features Mike Lovatt on lead trumpet and Andy Wood on baritone. The track is called Juanear and was written by Jim Rattigan especially for this album.

It's brilliant and the sheet music for it is available from June Emerson Wind Music...
 
                            "Juanear" written by Jim Rattigan from the Superbrass CD: "Under the Spell of Spain".