The UK's most prestigious Brass Band Summer School has just celebrated its 30th birthday with a fantastic week long course set in the beautiful town of Framlingham.


Framlingham School - Home to the Brass Band Summer School

With a new format and a star faculty which included Richard Evans, David Childs, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Nicholas Hudson, Steve Sykes, Stuart Lindgard, Owen Farr, Brian Taylor, plus special guests Elgar Howarth and Dudley Bright, the course was a great success. Attracting record numbers from all over the world delegates had the opportunity to perform in a band, take individual lessons, enjoy recitals and masterclasses from the tutorial staff, and much more. Here's what some of this year's dlegates thought:

"We have been making the journey from California to attend the Brass Band Summer School every year for the last 12 years, so we clearly enjoy the experience! Richard Evans is superb, and the tutors are world class. Each year it is like one big family reunion where everyone wears a smile all week long!"
Linda & Norm Taylor - Golden State British Brass Band

"The week is made by the friends, the tutors and the music. Absolutely Fantastic!" 
Geoff Holah - Harborough Band

"I love the Brass Band Summer School! It's a lot of playing, and a lot of fun. I play pieces of music that I shall never play in my own bands back home in the Netherlands. This has been my third course, and it gets better each time. I can't wait for next year!"
Barbra Frenks - Brass Band O.K.K Westhapelle & Brass Band Apollo Domburg Netherlands.

"I love the summer school because it gives me a chance to make music with friends who love the music as much as I do. Above that there are some great tutors, rewarding work and such fun. Looking forward to next year!" 
Ineke Geertse - Brass Band Apollo Domburg Netherlands.

I enjoyed this year's BBSS very much. The mixture of meeting old friends and playing good music make it a special week for me. I also found this year's new format to be an improvement on previous years. Thank you and congratulations to all." 
Ian Gill - Lindley, Imps Veterans & Brass Impact Bands

"This was a very precious time for me. Many areas of my playing have improved and I had much fun. I am happy I travelled from Japan to England for the famous Brass Band Summer School. Thank you!"
Yuka Higashi - Osaka Harmony Brass

"An amazing week! I came back next year. I don't want to go home. See you next year! Ookini (Thank you)." 
Takashi Fukunaga - Brapafoss Band Japan

"What an experience - superbly organised, great staff and tutors. Long Live BBSS! It is such a cliche sentiment, but music makes a difference. Thank you."
Scott Whetham - BBb Bass Canada

"After waiting 51 weeks since the last Brass Band Summer School I have had a super super time. Its been playing, laughing and overall I've enjoyed every moment. At the start we could not play the music, but at the end we made a fine sound. It was such a fun journey. A wonderful course enhanced by very good accommodation and food. Roll on 2015."
David Johnson - Cornetist with many bands!

"A fantastic week of music making, socialising and fun. A great chance to meet new people, play in lots of different ensembles and gain new knowledge / playing techniques. Excited for next year already…"
Jonathan Davies - Delph Brass Band Saddleworth

"Having just finished my first Brass Band Summer School I can honestly say I've played more, learnt more, and had more fun than should be possible in just one week! Thank you BBSS."
Ben Elliott - Moulton 77 Band

"What can I say? Another fantastic week. To come here is a joy. Beautiful Surroundings, great people, friendships made, and I learn so mush from the tutors. Deposit paid for next year :-)" 
Cameron Burrows - Regent Hall S.A Band & Tilbury Brass

"Always the best week of the year for me, but this year was the best ever! It feels like being part of a large family. We have loads of fun, banter, and learn so much from our fab tutors. The staff at Framlingham College are also great and so helpful. Longing for next year with the best MD in the world."
Pete Davis - Cottenham Band

This was my eighth year at the BBSS. Each year my confidence grows with the help and support of everyone here. This year has been exceptional with the tutors being ever present and ready and willing with help and advice - friendship and praise. Thanks guys - see you all next year." 
Yvette Hutchin - Cranbrook Town Band

For Euphonium & Baritone tutor David Childs it was a special course for several reasons! In his facebook blog he wrote, "Home from a wonderful week tutoring at the world famous 'Brass Band Summer School' in Framlingham England. So many highlights including: interviews, performances and presentations by special guests Elgar Howarth, Dudley Bright and Paul Lovatt-Cooper; recitals performed by Owen Farr, Nicholas Hudson, Stuart Lingard, Steve Sykes and Brian Taylor; the delegate's Solo Showcase, Ensemble Extravaganza and Brass in Concert Championship; the Grand Finale Gala Concert led my Richard Evans; and for me personally, the birth of my beautiful nephew Matthew David Stephen Fitzgerald-Lombard - well worth the midweek jaunt back to Wales!"


David at his sister Lisa's bed side with his nephew Matthew at 1.00am on August 13th.
Matthew David Stephen Fitzgerald-Lombard was born a few hours earlier on August 12th. 

Having met his nephew, David was back in Framlingham (250 miles east of the Royal Gwent where Matthew was born!) later that day to continue his duties with the euphonium and baritone players of the Brass Band Summer School. Here's a photo of the 'team' during the end of course celebratons:



If you'd like to attend next year's Brass Band Summer School where David will once again appear as euphonium and baritone tutor, you can find out more information and sign up by visitng www.brassbandsummerschool.com