Timetable and FAQs
2023 BBSS TIMETABLE
SUNDAY
14.00 Registration and room allocation
16.00 Welcome Meeting - Rehearsal Theatre
16.30 Massed Sectional - Sectional Rooms
18.00 Dinner – Dining Hall
19.00 Prestige Massed Band Rehearsal – Rehearsal Theatre
21.00 Tutor Recital in Chapel: Owen Farr and Becky Smith w/Matthew McCombie
21.30 BBSS Bar
MONDAY
08.00 Breakfast | Optional: warm-up class w/David Childs
09.00 Sovereign Rehearsal | Imperial Sectional
10.15 Morning Coffee
10.45 Imperial Rehearsal | Sovereign Sectional
12.00 Lunch
14.00 Brass in Concert Rehearsal 1
15.15 Afternoon Tea
15.45 Section Ensemble Rehearsal
17.00 Free time / optional conducting seminar w/Robert Childs
18.00 Dinner
19.00 Sovereign Rehearsal | Imperial Sectional
21.00 Tutor Recital in Chapel: David Childs and Les Neish w/Matthew McCombie
21.30 BBSS Bar
TUESDAY
08.00 Breakfast | Optional: warm-up class w/Owen Farr
09.00 Imperial Rehearsal | Sovereign Lessons
10.15 Morning Coffee
10.45 Sovereign Rehearseal | Imperial Sectional
12.00 Lunch
14.00 Brass in Concert Rehearsal 2
15.15 Afternoon Tea
15.45 Optional Chamber Ensembles
17.00 Free time / optional adjudicating seminar w/Robert Childs
18.00 Dinner
19.00 Imperial Rehearsal | Sovereign Sectional
21.00 Tutor Recital in Chapel: Chris Bradley, James Fountain, Brian Taylor, Chris Turner w/Matthew McCombie
21.30 BBSS Bar
WEDNESDAY
08.00 Breakfast | Optional: warm-up class w/Les Neish
09.00 Sovereign Rehearsal | Imperial Lessons
10.15 Morning Coffee
10.45 Imperial Rehearsal | Sovereign Sectional
12.00 Lunch
14.00 Brass In Concert Rehearsal 3
15.15 Afternoon Tea
15.45 BBSS Ensemble Extravaganza
17.00 Free Evening (Dinner not provided on campus)
THURSDAY
08.00 Breakfast
09.00 Imperial Rehearsal | Sovereign Lessons
10.15 Morning Coffee
10.45 Sovereign Rehearsal | Imperial Lessons
12.00 Lunch Break
14.00 Masterclass Q&A with Mike Cavanagh and Zoe Lovatt-Cooper
15.15 Afternoon Tea
15.45 BBSS Solo Showcase w/Matthew McCombie followed by Brass in Concert draw
18.00 Dinner
19.00 Brass in Concert Entertainment Contest in Rehearsal Theatre followed by Tutor Ensemble Show & Results Ceremony in Chapel
21.30 BBSS Bar
FRIDAY
08.00 Breakfast | Optional: warm-up class w/Becky Smith
09.00 Prestige Massed Band Sectionals
10.15 Morning Coffee
10.45 BBSS Photograph followed by James Fountain Masterclass Q&A
12.00 Lunch Break
14.00 St Wilfrid's Prestige Massed Band sound check
15.00 St Wilfrid's Sovereign Band sound check
16.00 St Wilfrid's Imperial Band sound check
17.30 Dinner (early)
19.30 Finale Gala Concert
21.30 End of Summer School Party hosted by BBSS Staff (free buffet and bar for delegates!)
SATURDAY
08.00 Breakfast & Farewell
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are warm-up class?
These short classes will take place in the Chapel and will be led by different BBSS Tutors on each occasion. Lasting only 20 minutes there will be plenty of time remaining for breakfast! Sessions are optional, but all are welcome.
Do we play in different bands? What are the Sovereign & Imperial bands?
All delegates are assigned to either the Sovereign or Imperial Bands. Together with your BBSS Tutor you are welcome to decide which band you’d like to be part of. When Sovereign band rehearses, Imperial breaks out into generic sections for sectional coaching or individual lessons, and vice versa.
Does everyone get an individual lesson?
Every BBSS delegate is entitled to a short individual lesson with their specialist tutor. The opportunity is there for everyone, although there is no pressure - these sessions are optional. Your tutor will liaise with you regarding lesson times.
What is the Prestige massed band?
Both the Imperial and Sovereign Bands join together to make one large band.
Do I get the opportunity to perform with a pianist?
All BBSS delegates have the opportunity to perform with our in-house professional pianist, Matthew McCombie. Those who take the opportunity are likely to feature in Thursday’s Solo Showcase Concert. However, even if playing a solo in public is not for you, all are welcome to use these sessions which provide a unique opportunity to perform with an expert pianist. Don’t forget to bring your piano scores with you!
What is the Solo Showcase?
This informal concert presented by our in-house pianist on Thursday afternoon will feature a selection of solos and duets rehearsed with piano during the week.
What is 'Brass In Concert'?
In addition to the Sovereign & Imperial bands all BBSS delegates will be assigned to one of three ‘Brass in Concert’ bands. These three bands will spend three rehearsals working with student conductors (and staff mentors) on a 20 minute programme of entertaining concert music to be performed in Thursday evening’s BBSS Brass in Concert Championship – a light hearted and entertaining contest judged by the music staff!
Will I get the opportunity to play in smaller ensembles?
You are welcome to form small chamber ensembles with fellow musicians at any point during the week with a view to your ensemble featuring in Wednesday’s Ensemble Extravaganza Concert. However, on Monday specific time has been allocated in the schedule for tutors to rehearse their section(s) as an ensemble, together with additional time on Tuesday for other chamber ensemble rehearsals (upon request tutorial staff will be available to coach your ensemble). If you are unable to form your own group, but would like to be in an ensemble let your specialist tutor know and the formation of your ensemble will be taken care of for you. Although the BBSS has a good library of chamber music, you are also encouraged to bring your own ensemble music with you.
Ensemble Extravaganza?
This concert gives a platform for sections of the band and a variety of newly formed ensembles to showcase the repertoire they’ve been working on in an informal setting.
What can I expect in the form of evening entertainment?
Most evening rehearsals will finish at 8.30pm giving you ample time to warm-down, store your instrument in your sectional room and take a seat in the chapel to enjoy a short recital given by every member of the BBSS tutorial staff. Following these short performances you’ll then have the opportunity for further entertainment in the form of quizzes, music and a well stocked bar for all to enjoy!
Is the Brass Band Summer School suitable for children?
Absolutely! Children are welcomed and will be given every opportunity to perform, but all delegates under the age of 18 must be chaperoned by an adult. The Brass Band Summer School is not like National Youth organisations - we do not employ pastoral staff.
What standard should I be to attend the Brass Band Summer School?
We try to cater for all ages and abilities, but a minimum of grade 5 is recommended. The word 'School' within the course's title is historical and doesn't truly represent what a BBSS week is all about. Some delegates come to learn, but others come to have a great time playing music to the best of their ability whilst socialising with like-minded musicians. Our emphasis is always on fun and enjoyment - ability and age should be no barrier.
Can I find my own accommodation off campus and still attend the course? Is it possible to sign-up for the course as a non-playing resident delegate?
Yes, both options are possible and can be discussed at the time of booking.