Why Us?

• Our courses are solely for brass or percussion players, so the tuition and repertoire is tailored specifically to their needs.  Much more time is spent playing than brass players or percussionists would get on an orchestral course - there is no endless counting of rests here! 
• Our tutors are outstanding brass players, who are also brilliant at working with children.  They include Philippe Schartz (principal trumpet of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales); Simon Morgan (Horn player at The Lion King in London); Christian Jones (principal trombone of Opera North); and Pete Smith (principal tuba of the Philharmonia Orchestra).  Mick Doran (principal percussionists at English National Opera) will lead the Percussion Academy at Easter; and we are delighted to welcome Phil Cobb (principal trumpet at the London Symphony Orchestra) as a guest tutor on our 2016 courses.
• Every afternoon there is two hours of organised sport, run by our talented, enthusiastic and inclusive course sports teacher James Barringer.
• The children on our courses are helped to play their very best, while at the same time really enjoying themselves in a hard-working but relaxed atmosphere.
• There are daily masterclasses from the tutors and special guests on particular aspects of brass playing.
• The Workshop, which is an advanced course-within-a-course run specifically for those who have passed their Grade 8, provides a great opportunity for advanced students to work with those of a similar ability while being tutored by world class musicians.
• Each course includes a course competition in which every child plays in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, during which the children get individual attention and advice specific to their needs from the tutors.
• There is a fun and varied programme of evening activities for those staying on a residential basis.
• The courses are run by Tom Rainer (Music Director) and Ann Wight (Course Director) who have an outstanding track record in providing excellent brass courses for children.
• Our “house” system puts children into one of four houses, and throughout the course they earn points for their house – for great playing, good answers to tutors’ questions, kind or helpful behaviour, and during the sports sessions and evening activities.  Competition between the houses is fierce and team spirit runs high!
• We have been lucky enough on every course to attract delightful, fun and enthusiastic children who are keen to learn and to make new friends.