The preparation for a brass band contest usually begins for me as soon as the test piece for that particular contest has been announced. I believe that research and preparation is key to understanding a piece of music and so prior to getting a score I undertake some research into a particular piece of music which tries to explore the reason why the particular piece of music was written, when it was written and who the piece of music was written for. I then try to understand

I have a confession to make and that is the fact that I probably spend more time planning a rehearsal than I do leading a rehearsal. I usually plan rehearsals for The Avonbank (Evesham) Brass Band on a Tuesday evening and use a technique which I call double planning where I plan rehearsals up to a month in advance which not only includes planning what repertoire the band will rehearse on a rehearsal evening but how each individual rehearsal fits in with the overall musical p

What is a musical director? It is a question that often gets asked and one that provides a plethora of different responses. A musical director's role is not just about conducting and includes all aspects of people management, planning rehearsals, leading sectional rehearsals, giving one to one musical support, supporting individual progression, creating engaging programmes of music, creating performance opportunities for the band, promoting the band in wider circles, recruit

Hello everyone, I wanted to share with you my initial thoughts with you all in regards to my new custom Adams E2 Euphonium.I have been playing on my new custom Adams E2 Euphonium for around two weeks. My first impressions of this instrument is how well made the instrument is. It feels like a solid, sturdy and well made instrument with the weight feeling similar and comparable to my Besson Prestige 2052-2 Euphonium. The instrument is comfortable to hold especially with the clo

In late 2021, I started to become aware of the rising popularity of Adams as a Euphonium brand within the United Kingdom brass banding community with Euphonium virtuoso Gary Curtain selecting to play an Adams E1 Euphonium with a 0.70 wall thickness and heavy valve bottom caps. In 2022, I started to explore the different Euphonium models that Adams had to offer which resulted in me being given an opportunity to test the entire Adams Euphonium range at The European Brass Band

Brass Band Tuning: Tuning - tuning means having the instrument set up so that each note naturally plays at the right pitch. Intonation - intonation is the fine tuning of each note in relation to other players within the section and the band. This can also involve adjusting due to environmental factors such as heat or tired lips. General Notes: Each instrument has its own specific tuning and intonation issues. An individual airflow can cause tuning and intonation issues so eac

Hello everyone, I have been absolutely blown away by my new SM4UH ‘Heros’ Mouthpiece! I have been testing the new SM4UH ‘Heros’ Mouthpiece for the last three weeks and in this time I have had the opportunity to test the mouthpiece in a number of different situations and environments which includes solo work, small group performances and full brass band performances. The SM4UH ‘Heros’ Mouthpiece has a very centred and vibrant sound which is consistent throughout the whole ran

Over the past number of years, I have really enjoyed working with various composers to create new works both for the Euphonium and for the Brass Band Being involved in the commissioning process is a really exciting and creative process when new and exciting ideas can flow and in hindsight the creative process can reflect a specific period of creative inspiration especially when one studies the thought processes that were part of the commissioning of a new piece of music. Comm

In the latest blog post from The Brass Musician, we speak to David Lochmatter about his innovative new company ‘MyPiece Mouthpieces’ who are currently using the latest 3D design technology to create custom mouthpieces based upon the individual musicians own facial characteristics. In this interview we chat to David Lochmatter about how he came up with this creative and innovative idea and what the future holds for his company ‘MyPiece Mouthpieces’. 1. Can you tell me a little

On this weeks 'Tips from The Top', we speak to artist Gemma England from Splash Prints UK who is creating ground breaking artwork featuring brass instruments. In this interview we explore how Germma's musical experiences have inspired her to explore bring music and art together into one form. As well as an artist you are a musician could you tell me a little about your experiences in music? I started playing mellophone at around age 11, playing for a marching called The B

I am really excited to announce a brand new commission from the pen of Karl D.A.Whelan entitled ‘Their Hearts Failed Not’ which has been written in commemoration of the men who served with The 1st Battalion, The Kings Liverpool Regiment in which my Great Great Uncle, Fred Bates served under the alias of Frank Taylor. This exciting new work explores the events of Wednesday 11th November 1914, where four hundred men of The 1st Battalion, The Kings Liverpool Regiment defended Po

Project Announcement: 'Concerto for Euphonium' - Philip Harper I am really excited to announce a new project which I have been working on over the course of the past year which aims at exploring the experiences of my Great Grandfather Henry Nichols, and the men of The 1/6th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment between July 1916 and March 1917, through music, artwork, a model diorama and poetry. In March 2020, I made contact with Philip Harper, who currently conducts T

On this weeks tip from the top we welcome an outstanding Italian Euphonium player Giacomo Marcocig to talk about his musical experience both in Italy and The United Kingdom. 1. When did you start to play the euphonium? I started to play the euphonium at 7 years old in the music school of my small mountain village, Camporosso, located in the North of Italy. My passion and love for music was born immediately and I still thank my first teacher Joseph Ritt, for teaching me the

On this weeks 'Composers Corner', we interview the very talented Daniel Hall who has just completed a brand new commission for unaccompanied Euphonium entitled 'Ride The Wave'. 1. Hello Daniel, could you tell us a little about how you were introduced to the brass banding world? I was introduced to the brass banding world when I was advised by my cornet teacher to join the local training band in St. Austell. Several years later I worked my way up from Principal cornet of the

On the next instalment of composers corner, we welcome Iain Rayner who is currently the composer in residence for The Jaguar Land Rover Band based in Coventry. 1. Hello Iain, I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about your introduction to the world of music? My musical journey started when I was quite young as I was brought up in the Salvation Army. From an early age we were surrounded by brass and vocal music, both live through the Sunday Services and via reco

On this weeks 'Tips from The Top', we welcome Charley Brighton who for many years has been in the forefront of commissioning and performing new works for Euphonium as well as restoring and maintaining instruments of a historic value, in this latest edition of 'Tips From The Top' we catch up with Charley to find out a little about his journey within the world of music. 1. For many years you have been a leading member of the Euphonium community, I was wondering if you could tel

I am excited to announce the completion of a brand new work for Piano and Euphonium from the pen of Howard Evans entitled 'Soliloquy II In The Cross'. In April 2020, I was speaking to John Starkes about commissioning a new piece of music for the Euphonium which lead to me being put in contact with Howard Evans. After an initial conversation with Howard Evans, the start of an exciting new project began, which was focused on creating a brand new solo work for Piano and Euphoniu

In today ‘Tips from The Top’ we meet Alessio Barbarino who is a graphic designer who has done extensive work on cover art and graphic logo design for many top musicians including Steven Mead. 1. Hello Alessio, I was wondering if your could briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role as a graphic designer? Graduate in graphic design and music conservatory I’m a freelance graphic designer and teacher. I love travel, photography, psychology and the sea. I sta

I have been really excited to review the Randefalk R3S Mouthpiece for the past few weeks and I have finally got around to putting my thoughts down on paper. My initial impressions upon opening my package from Randefalk Music was that of surprise. The R3S Mouthpiece arrived safely packaged in a high quality PolarCase which is guaranteed to protect the mouthpiece. It was really nice to get a mouthpiece case along with this mouthpiece which is not often done by other companies.

This week on 'Tips from the Top' we have had the privilege to chat to Patrik Randefalk about his exciting new business venture Randefalk Music. Hello Patrik, my first question for you is what instrument make and mouthpiece are you currently playing on? My current instrument is a Sterling Virtuoso and my mouthpieces is a Randefalk R3S (prototype with screw rim in Stainless steel and body in bronze) and R2S standard gold plated. What inspired you to set up Randefalk Music?