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News and Events
Thursday, 10 July 2014

The first North American Brass Band Summer School recently took place in Halifax Nova Scotia and proved an incredible success.

NABBSS

Launched this year, the North American Brass Band Summer School was supported by the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society and Buffet Group, and took place in the dynamic waterfront city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The school was based on the successful models, well established in the United Kingdom, but with one very special additional element... 
 
In addition to receiving expert tuition from a team of Buffet soloists, led by the renowned Dr Robert Childs, participants also featured in the cast of the world's largest annual indoor show, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, performing to over 60 000 people alongside artists of the highest calibre from a variety of different nations.

This year's tutors included Roger Webster, David Childs, Dan Perantoni, David Martin, Helen Harrelson, Stephen Allen & James Foster. Full staff details available here. Every tutor delivered a Master Class and both Roger Webster and Dan Perantoni performed with the NABBSS Band as guest soloists.

NABBSS Workshop
The North American Brass Band Summer School 'Open Workshop' July 5th Metro Centre Halifax 

Here's what some of the delegates thought of their NABBSS experience...

"This has been an amazing event - the Tattoo participation was fantastic and playing in the brass band was life changing for me. New friends, a lovely city and top notch tutors - let's do it again!"
Susan Bjorstrom, North American Brass Band Summer School - Dassel, Minnesota

“Fantastic top level faculty for the summer school and a wonderful experience performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.”
Jane de Caen, Mill Creek Colliery Band - Edmonton, Alberta

"NABBSS was a truly awesome experience. To be conducted by Robert Childs & David Childs, participate in masterclasses, rehearsals and performances resulted in a busy schedule, but something I thoroughly enjoyed. Bravo to Craig Roberts for having the vision to bring a brass band summer school to North America"
Margie Craver, Atlantic Brass Band and Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band - Wilmington, Delaware

“The whole 12 days was great – a wonderful learning experience and so much fun. I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like to expand their musical horizons and perform in the world’s largest indoor show!”
Jad Dodsworth, Waterloo Police Band - Fergus, Ontario

“I can honestly say I grew more as a musician during my time on the North American Brass Band Summer School than I have ever before. The instructors and soloists were exceptional. Please bring back NABBSS next year!”
Mitchell English, Fountain City Youth Band - Leawood, Kansas

"NABBSS was an incredible opportunity for both young and experienced players. It has motivated me to become a better player and has furthered my love of music"
Chris Clarkston, Fountain City Youth Brass Band - Stilwell, Kansas

“My first experience in a brass band, and far more than I ever expected! As a French Horn player hoping to learn how to play Tenor Horn, I was challenged far beyond what I thought I’d be capable of. I left NABBSS feeling motivated, encouraged, and much more confident about going home to start up a brass band with my husband. I still have so much more to learn, but what I’m taking away from NABBSS has been priceless. The combined talent, knowledge and experience from the staff and delegates is something I don’t think I was prepared for – it was overwhelming at times, but only in the best ways! I highly recommend NABBSS to anyone wanting to expand their experiences, repertoire, improve, or start up their own groups back home! I will be back again!”
Erin Giove, Beaufort Orchestra & Low Country Wind Symphony - Beaufort, South Carolina

"I highly recommend NABBSS to anyone who enjoys being a musician. An incredible learning experience with a great deal of practical application - performing! Dr Robert Childs & David Childs are fantastic performers, teachers and mentors. Attend!"
Stephen B. Giove, Director of Music, Parris Island Marine Band, United States Marine Corps

"The course was nothing short of extraordinary. With world renowned tutors, the instruction was second to none. The RNSIT experience enhanced the course immensely and was great fun. My first summer school and third NS Tattoo. I'll be back again!"
Bryenton Innes, Atlantic Region Cadet Triservice Band - Halifax, Nova Scotia

“A very useful, enjoyable and informative event. Having such high caliber musicians to learn from was an amazing experience. Thank you NABBSS.”
Timur Kalyuzhnyy, Little Mountain Brass Band & BC Regiment Band - Richmond, British Columbia

“The North American Brass Band Summer School: A very rewarding experience with excellent coaches, a beautiful city and phenomenal performing experience. Thank you NABBSS.”
Gay Lambert, North American Brass Band Summer School Band - Queensville, Ontario

“This camp has been such an inspiration and growing experience for not only my individual playing, but for my bandsmanship as well. I am excited to go back and take with me all of the things I have learned from the amazing faculty we have had at NABBSS.”
Natalie Moses, Fountain City Youth Brass Academy - Platte City, Missouri

“I was excited about coming to the school, and the excitement continued the whole time I was there! The days flowed, and each new rehearsal and masterclass just added to the whole experience. David & Robert challenged us to play up to a higher level, and the Royal Welsh College of Music students were also great; very polite, positive ambassadors and always willing to help. Thank you all for this great experience.”
Marion Moore, Metropolitan Silver Band & Oshawa Civic Band - Oshawa, Ontario

“Not being from a brass band background, I was not sure what to expect, but I had a great time. NABBSS is both a wonderful learning experience and a chance to play brass band music. I’m not a treble clef reader, but I was welcomed and bass clef parts were produced for me to be able to play. The professionals who made a band out of us in a very short space of time were incredible. I would recommend this summer school to anyone.”
Paul Moyle, Northdale Concert Band - Mississauga, Ontario

“I can say, with absolute certainty, that I had received my money’s worth within the first few days of this twelve day course! The experience has been fantastic, exhilarating, challenging and, above all, educational. NABBSS is much more than playing a horn, it is fellowship, making new friends, networking, and showing the love of making beautiful music together. Thank you Robert & David Childs, Craig Roberts & everyone at the RNSIT for the experience of a lifetime!”
Gerry Murphy, Whitby Brass Band - Oshawa, Ontario

“A great opportunity to study with legendary British musicians without having to go all the way to Britain! The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is legendary in itself, being part of it was an honour.”
Flora Newberry, Princeton Brass Band - Roebling, New Jersey

“This has been an exceptional experience! Performing in the Tattoo was a fabulous opportunity to participate in a marvelous show, and the incredible coaches and leadership made the brass band school a thrill. Watching Dave and Bob work together was a treat and performing alongside the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Band, a fabulous group of young folks, gives me hope for the future. Halifax as a venue was beautiful; I like the city and made some very good new friends through the NABBSS experience.”
Terry Paananen, Puget Brass & Seattle Wind Symphony - Seattle, Washington

“An incredible experience! Would I do it again? Absolutely! Would I encourage others in my band to come? Without hesitation! Highlights included being part of the Tattoo, working with the Childs gang, excellent variety of music, and playing A LOT everyday!”
Nancy Ross, Kincardine Brass Band  - Goderich, Ontario

“A fantastic experience with world class conductors, musicians and clinicians. The NABBSS experience far exceeded my expectations and the bonus of playing in the Tattoo was a superb addition to a summer school!”
Rachel Ross, Mission Hill Brass Band & Mill Creek Colliery Band - Edmonton, Alberta

“Performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo should be on everyone’s ‘bucket list’, and I can now say I was privileged to be part of the 2014 cast playing with the NABBSS Brass Band. Bravo to Craig Roberts, Robert & David Childs, all the NABBSS tutors, the RWCMD musicians, the welcoming Canadian community, and the beautiful city of Halifax.”
Doug Ruby, New England Brass Band - Groton, Massachusetts

“At NABBSS I have learned so much about being a musician. I was exposed to the most challenging music I’d ever seen and the most talented people I’d ever met were there to encourage and help me. Meeting Robert & David was an amazing experience, along with the other masterclass tutors. I learned so much here and will try to pass on my new knowledge to benefit others. I’d recommend NABBSS to anyone who plays brass!”
Mateo Segura, Motor City Youth Brass Band & Southlake High Symphonic Band - St Clair Shores, Michigan

"A fantastic musical journey with a great group of musicians from around the world. Challenging music, talented clinicians and excellent conducting makes NABBSS an experience to cherish for a lifetime"
Dale Somerville, Mission Hill Brass Band - Edmonton, Alberta

“As a long time wind ensemble musician, NABBSS presented an excellent opportunity to explore, and participate in the brass band world. The experience far exceeded my basic expectations, from the humour and wisdom of Dr. Childs, to the insights provided in the masterclasses. The highlight for me was the opportunity to perform with Roger Webster – rare indeed! Thanks for a wonderful week.”
John Underhill, Halifax Concert Band - Halifax, Nova Scotia

“I had never read in treble clef a day in my life, but folks have bent over backwards to help me in any way possible. Twelve days later I can read and play in treble clef! This has been a very rewarding and fulfilling camp for me. I will be back next year, and would recommend this experience to anyone!”
Jerry Warner, Big Band & Community Concert Band - Tecumseh, Michigan

“I found NABBSS to be both inspirational and educational. I will certainly recommend this experience to all brass players I come in to contact with. Thank you so much.”
Bob Warren, Chester Brass Band & 14 Wing Brass & Reed Band - Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

“What an amazing 12 days! To be part of the cast of one of the largest shows on the North American Continent AND to play in a brass band led by two of the world’s most knowledgeable and respected brass band musicians in Bob & David Childs, was an experience beyond any expectations I could have had!”
Bob Woodard, Capital City Brass Band & Five Lakes Silver Band - Jackson, Michigan

Such was the success of this year's inaugural course, it has already been confirmed to take place again in 2015! To book your place click here.


Related links:

Photo Gallery on the Buffet Group website
Insightful Article on NABBSS featured in the Whole Note Magazine
NABBSS FaceBook Page
Official NABBSS Website

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