Louis at the EIBBSS

Elgar International Brass Band Summer School, 2024

I attended the Elgar International Brass Band Summer School with the help of the GBBA, where I spent a week playing music and learning from the best in the business, and was lucky enough to be able to play and also conduct.

The highlight of the week for me was being able to perform in the delegates concert with the likes of Daniel Thomas and Adam Bokaris in the audience.

We also had lessons with the tutors, mine was with Dan Thomas.

Dan helped me with projection, my embouchure and making sure that my corners were secure.

At the end of the week we performed two concerts, one outside and one in the hall which was recorded by WOBPLAY.

So in conclusion not only did I learn new skills and techniques, I also met some incredible people and made some amazing new friends.

I was also able to network with other players and gain lots of opportunities such as depping at Flowers for a rehearsal, and more conducting opportunities.

I would like to thank the GBBA for providing a grant to help pay for the course.

One thing I would say to anyone thinking about doing a similar course, "JUST DO IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT".

Louis Thomas.

my turn to conduct