Ray Farr on Resurgam

[njh]

Yesterday saw a workshop held in Durham organised by the NABBC.

After an NABBC area meeting, the workshop started with a presentation on score reading by Ray Farr, using the popular Resurgam by Eric Ball as the study. The delegates listened to an excellent recording of the work by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band under the baton of Elgar Howarth. After listening to the piece, Ray took the delegates through the score asking all to comment on the performance and discussing how to cope the various danger spots open to the conductor within the score.

After lunch, Roy Newsome chaired a forum on the future of banding within the North East of England with a panel of experts drawn from the local banding scene. Much debate, discussion and the sharing of ideas was given; ideas which could be taken back by delegates from other regions to use in their own bands. The forum covered many topics, especially youth in banding and the interaction between bands and the state education system.

The delegates then had a chance to put theory to practice using the Reg Vardy Band to discuss the issues of Resurgam that that had covered in the morning session. Delegates all had a fair chance to air their point of view and to learn a lot from the band and the baton of Ray Farr.

I found it a most enjoyable and thought provoking day. My thanks to all who gave their time, with special thanks to Andrew Whitaker and Ray Farr.

[durhamnick]

Ray is I believe running a workshop at the BRASS Durham International Festival this summer.

Not sure on what or any other details I know however he is also confirmed as conducting the YBS there.

www.brassfestival.co.uk

[Boneman]

Ah Resurgam!

That name took me back to 1972 when, as a member of the Brass Band of the Junior Leaders Regt we went to Barnstable with this piece and came away winners!

Not bad for a bunch of 16/17 year olds. The conductor was Alan Ashworth.