Report from Oliver Brooks (age 13) about taking part in the 2007 National Children's Brass Band summer course.
“I left on Sunday 23rd July 2007, after the floods had caused disruption to the rail network, and after a good nights sleep in a Travel Lodge, I arrived at Bromsgrove in the pouring rain.
The first two people I saw were Dr Nicholas Childs and John Doyle, who were playing tennis.
On our arrival we were shown to our rooms and then went over to the school to audition for the seating positions. For my chosen piece I played the Rondo from Mozart's 4th Horn Concerto.
After the results were given we went into the first rehearsal, which was quite daunting as the standard of the musical ability was so high for children our age. We were given a list of the music to be played at the concert on Friday evening, which included Bandology, Dream Catcher, Academic
Festival Fanfare, Little Suite for Brass, Varied Mood, A Little Prayer, Pantomime and Carrick Fergus.
During the week we had sectional rehearsals in which I learned a great deal about rhythm, tone, expression and personal technique. We also had full rehearsals in which I improved my ensemble skills. My favourite piece of music was A Little Prayer.
It was a great honour and a great experience to have a chance to play with someone as well known as David Childs. In our free time we played a range of sports and had a number of trips out such as bowling.
I would like to thank Mrs J Blackford and SCABA for their support in funding the course for me.”
