St Mary’s Music School have partnered with leading UK brass players to create a series of Lower Brass Days aimed at encouraging the take up of these instruments within schools.
As well as celebrating and raising the profile of trombone, euphonium, tenor and baritone horn and tuba playing, it is hoped that this event will also mark the launch of phase two of the St Mary’s Music School Instrument Library project. Phase one was launched earlier this year and is currently accepting the first round of applications for oboes and bassoons. A day of activities, masterclasses, ensemble work and concerts will be free to attend for all school age pupils and teachers and will be held on Saturday February 24th in Edinburgh (Register here) and in Elgin (Register here) on Sunday February 25th. As well as industry leaders, teachers and performers, Buffet Crampon will supply instruments for ‘Taster’ sessions. Martin Thomson, Danielle Price, John Kenny, Jonathan Gawn, Oren Marshall (Trinity Laban), Arlene Macfarlane, Amos Miller (RCM) and Mark Reynolds (RCS) are leading the performances and presentations.
Alongside the day of events, St Mary’s Music School will be running a Composition Competition for school age composers, with the winning ‘Fanfare’ performed on both days by leading performers. We are inviting young people (ages 10-18) across Scotland to enter our Composition Competition by composing a 3-minute fanfare for lower brass. One winner will have their work performed by professional musicians in the final concert of the day. The winner and four runners up will be invited to have their works ‘workshopped’ and the shortlisted entries will all receive feedback. The new fanfare should celebrate, or bring to attention some aspect of the composer’s local environment – e.ga landmark, person or group that holds significance.
If you would like to be involved or to book free places, please contact Music Department Manager, Kate Aitken on kaitken@smms.uk