NABBC Workshop on 15th January 2005
On Saturday 15th January the South West Area of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors held one of its workshops on test pieces for the regional contests. The workshop was revived in this area in 2004 and 2005 proved to be even more of a success. The day was led by virtuoso tubist and conductor, Steve Sykes, in Weston-Super-Mare, with Weston Brass.
For the morning session Steve worked on the 4th section piece, Divertimento. He gave a valuable insight into some of the important musical features and possible pitfalls of the piece.
During lunch there was a short NABBC meeting at which a number of issues were discussed, including the recent debate concerning the number of adjudicators employed at contests.
In the afternoon it was the turn of Tam O'Shanter's Ride, the 3rd section test. Steve commented on its difficulty and gave expert advice on the interpretation of some of the aspects of the score, notably some of the tempo markings. He suggested ideas for rehearsing the band on the tricky technical passages.
It was a successful day, with over 20 delegates attending each session; receiving advice, asking questions about the music, and enjoying Steve's stories and anecdotes.
Maria Fricker
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