Tredegar Brass Band Sunday 7th October 2018

Sunday 7^th October saw the return of Tredegar Brass Band to Ardingly College, having previously visited on the 5^th March 2017. At that time, I was in the Prep school and had the opportunity to play a solo with them – Fantasy for Trombone by James Curnow. The sheer depth of sound created by this ensemble was staggering then and on again, they didn’t disappoint following on from their Brass band competition in the Royal Albert Hall the previous day.

We were delighted they agreed to come back to the College again to work with Brass pupils from both the Prep and Senior schools. Our students attended masterclasses throughout the morning and benefitted greatly from working with the band’s professional musicians. It was fantastic to learn directly from some of the best Brass players in the country and we all found the sessions extremely helpful.

The day ended with a concert in the Chapel given by the band under the leadership of conductor Ian Porthouse. We were entertained to a great variety and diversity of music genres and styles. There was a bit of everything from a movement of a Bassoon concerto by Mozart to ‘The Lord Bless and Keep You’ by John Rutter and even Mr Stafford’s favourite, ‘McArthur Park’ by Jimmy Webb. The concert ended with the Ardingly students performing three numbers with the band finishing with Pharrell Williams’ Happy.

During the concert there were some beautiful solo performances by members of the band and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to play a solo with the band – 2 movements from Ferdinand David’s Trombone Concerto. It was an incredible experience rehearsing and performing with them on Sunday and something I will never forget. The time spent with the band enabled me to think how I might develop my playing further, taking it to another level. We greatly look forward to welcoming them back to the college in the future.

Laura Crooks

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