Meet the team shaping the music this summer
Top L-R: Chris Augustine, Helen Varley, Steve Jones. Bottom L-R: David Thornton, Helen Minshall, Sean Chandler
The UniBrass Foundation has announced the star-studded line up of tutors - from the world of brass bands, orchestras, and the West End - that will lead its third annual Band Camp this summer.
The cornets will be mentored by Sean Chandler. A cornet player for the Shepherd Group Brass Band, UniBrass are excited to work with Sean, having been inspired by his work with deaf children and the waves he’s been making in the brass band movement.
Also making the journey to Band Camp for the first time will be Chris Augustine. He brings his expertise and experience as a West End and orchestral trombonist to work with the students, alongside Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s Helen Varley who will tutor the flugel and tenor horns.
Ahead of the course, Helen Varley said: “I think the whole concept of UniBrass and Band Camp is just fantastic. The energy of the UniBrass competitions is so enthusiastic, and I can't wait to see how that will transfer into a summer school environment.”
David Thornton returns as the course’s Musical Director, to shape the week’s musical progress and direct the ‘National Universities Brass Band’ in concerts and informal performances across Sheffield and Yorkshire. He will also lead the euphonium and baritone section.
Also returning are Cory Band’s Steve Jones to lead the percussion section, and inspirational educator Helen Minshall to tutor the basses.
Also announced are the three performances where you can hear the National Universities Brass Band over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. UniBrass are thrilled to join with the Kirklees Year of Music celebrations to give a performance at Dewsbury Market on Saturday 26th. This will be followed by an informal afternoon concert in Chapeltown on Sunday 27th, and the final course-closing concert in Sheffield Cathedral on Monday 28th. All performances will be free to attend, with more details released soon.
UniBrass Band Camp takes place from Wednesday 23rd - Monday 28th August, based at Hesley Wood Scout Camp near Sheffield. There are still places available for musicians aged 18-25 or in higher education, for one of the UK's best value and exciting summer schools. Visit unibrass.co.uk/bandcamp for more information and to sign up.