25th Anniversary of the International Brass Band Summer School

Sun, Sea, and Brass! 25th Anniversary Course

On Sunday, August 2, 2015 the International Brass Band Summer School (IBBSS) was held at the University of Wales, Swansea, which overlooks the majestic panorama of Swansea Bay. Delegates had flown in from the USA, Norway, Sweden, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, and of course traveled from the widths and breadths of the UK, and even as far as Japan and Tazmania, Australia.

The Course Director was Prof. Nicholas Childs and his Tutors are all internationally recognized. Looking after the cornets were Black Dyke’s Richard Marshall and Chris Turner; the horn tutor was Owen Farr; Euphoniums and Baritones were led by Gary Curtin and David Thornton from Black Dyke and Fodens respectively; Trombones by Brett Baker; and Tubas by Joseph Cook and Matthew Routley.

The aim is to balance a general improvement in overall playing standards with making new like-minded friends, whilst enjoying a little more time in the sun amidst great surroundings. The International Brass Band Summer School also caters to non-participating and non-residential visitors. For those who want to brush up on their brass band skills whilst their partners soak up the sun in a sublime environment, rest assured, this was Christmas in the summer!

With over 120 delegates there were two individual bands, Sovereign and Prestige, enjoying programmes which included special guest and featured composer, Peter Graham and his works Renaissance and Shine as the Light.  The program also featured James Curnow’s Jubilation and Goff Richards' Doyen. There was also a culmination in a massed bands with a grand finale of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

The general timetable included individual lessons, playing in small ensembles, and a fun-packed evening in the IBBSS Brass in Concert Entertainment Contest. There was even a Quiz night with a live music section, led by Quizmaster Matthew Routley.

This year saw a new initiative with conducting workshops that covered conducting for beginners to stylistic approaches and contemporary baton techniques.

A highlight of every day was the Evening Recital where one of the Star Tutors would give a breath-taking display of his prowess and a personal insight to himself.

During the week there were trade stands from Trevada, World of Brass and Gramercy Music, and also a special presentation from Rath Trombones.

Next year, the International Brass Band Summer School will welcome Edward Gregson as the guest composer.

After a great week the highlight for the delegates was the Gala Concert, delivered to a packed audience and featuring guest soloists Gary Curtin and Joseph Cook after which was the end-of-course party!

Next year’s IBBSS course will be held from 31st July – 6th August, 2016

For further information please contact IBBSS Administrator, Alison Childs, +44 07802 771735 or email alison4horn@btinternet.com

In Memoriam: Russ Tiede

Dr. Russell Louis Tiede was born January 27, 1929, on a farm outside of Parkston, South Dakota to Solomon (Sam) and Emma Tiede. He attended South Dakota State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science. Upon graduation, he taught music and math at Bridgewater from 1950-1955. He later continued his studies earning his Master of Science degree in Music Education in 1956 and an Ed.D. in Music Education in 1971, both at the University of Illinois. Between his post-graduate studies, Russ taught junior high music in Sioux Falls. The majority of Russ’s career was spent at Millikin University, starting in 1968, continuing to serve for 25 years as chair of the music education department, teaching conducting, music education courses and applied horn and tuba.

His life was dedicated to teaching education and music in public schools and college. One of Russ’s great loves was playing in the faculty brass quintet at Millikin with his musician friends. He also served for many years as the choir director at his church. Russ enjoyed golfing with his wife, fishing with his good friends at Lake Shelbyville and traveling with family every chance he could get. Russell Louis Tiede passed away in his home on May 7, 2015, with his loving wife Janet at his side.

New Hire: Irving Ray

Irving Ray has won a euphonium position with the "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Ceremonial Band in Washington, D.C. He will begin playing with the band in April 2016. Stationed in Fort Meyer, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band’s primary mission is to support over 2,000 military funerals each year in Arlington National Cemetery, wreath laying ceremonies by heads of state and other foreign dignitaries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, monthly retirement parades, special reviews, and arrival and departure honors for foreign dignitaries at the White House and Pentagon. Recent major events include 2009 Presidential Inaugural festivities, the State Funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald R. Ford, ceremonies honoring Her Majesty the Queen of England Elizabeth II during her visit to the United States in May 2007, and nationally televised PBS broadcasts of the National Memorial Day and A Capitol Fourth! concert events with the National Symphony Orchestra. Ray is from from Houston, TX and received all of his musical degrees in Texas. Irving completed his Bachelor of Music Education at Sam Houston State University and his Master of Music in Euphonium Performance at the University of North Texas. He will be completing his Doctorate in Euphonium Performance at the University of North Texas in the Spring of 2016. In addition to having performed across the United States as a former member of the North Texas Euphonium Quartet, Ray is an internationally known soloist and teacher, having been invited each year to Singapore since 2013 with the Wind Bands Association of Singapore, performing as a guest soloist with the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra, and serving as a guest soloist and brass lecturer in South Africa. Some of his greatest musical influences include Frank Troyka, Matthew McInturf, Rex Martin, Demondrae Thurman, and Dr. Brian Bowman.