Bolsover Brass Summer School

Think of Bolsover District and you think of iconic attractions such as Hardwick Hall, Creswell Crags and Bolsover Castle; the rugged landscape and close proximity to the Peak District National Park; home to one of the worlds largest Brass Band Festivals and now the Bolsover Brass Summer School.

The week long summer school will take place between 22nd-28th July 2012 and will offer a fantastic mix of tutorials, recitals, indoor and outdoor public performances and planned leisure activities giving participants the perfect balance to make the week long stay one to remember.

Leisure activities will include visits to the areas local attractions and a crazy Olympic afternoon include body zorbing and master blaster laser tag. Experience a summer school with a fun twist and innovative workshops that aim to give you a fresh triumphant experience.

We have put the summer school together with Ian Porthouse, who will be the artistic director for the week. Ian will be working with Mark Wilkinson (Cornets), Helen Williams (Flugel and Horns), Glyn Williams (Baritones and Euphoniums), Gavin Saynor (Tuba), John Barber (Trombones) and Mark Landon (Percussion) and David Hirst (cornet soprano).

The summer school includes full board and hotel accommodation and will cost £450. A non- refundable deposit of £200 is required to secure a place. Places will be on a first come first served basis. Both non-participating and non-residential visitors are also welcome. We have also produced a brief video (file size 53.1MB) promoting the Brass Summer School and what it will entail.

The summer school will be hosted at the newly built innovative Heritage High School in Clowne, with excellent facilities including private practise rooms, excellent rehearsal facilities and theatre. Accommodation will be at the Ibis Hotel in Barlborough, just a few minutes drive away from Heritage High.

For the occasion Kenneth Downie, the leading Salvationist Composer, will be commissioning a piece of music that will be performed in one of the public performances as part of the programme. Tredegar Town Band, currently ranked 3rd in the world brass rankings and 2010 British Open Champions, will perform on Saturday 28th July conducting sectional rehearsals and participating in the rehearsals in preparation for a joint contest on the Saturday evening.

The summer school has been supported through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and is delivered by East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

For further details about the funding contact EU Commission Rural Development. The PDF icon Bolsover Brass Summer School programme and booking form are both available to download.