Brass players from TS and TPS enjoyed an afternoon of music-making culminating in a super concert enjoyed by parents and teachers. Pupils joined together in the chapel for a workshop on playing techniques, ensemble awareness and performance skills. It was highly valuable for separate instrument groups to work in detail, and the opportunity to play as a massed brass group brought out the best in the players.


Visiting music teachers Mr Paul, Ms Wilmshurst and Mr Hall worked with all the performers on breathing, sound projection, rhythm and ensemble balance, among many other aspects of musicianship. It was fantastic to see some of the more experienced student players working with the younger members of the group.


The trumpets produced a compelling performance of a film music arrangement, while the horn ensemble presented two pieces, including a debut for the school’s valveless hand horn in a haunting tune. The trombones and tubas also played with a lot of panache, and each of our three visiting teachers treated the audience to impressive solo performances.


The whole brass ensemble joined together for three short pieces directed by Mr Paul, including Gabrieli’s impressive antiphonal Sonata Pian’ e Forte, providing a rousing finale to the afternoon presentation. With performers from Year 4 to Year 12 involved alongside one another, it is clear that the future of brass playing throughout the school is very bright.