UniBrass Presents Band Camp!

A brand new brass band summer school for 2021.

UniBrass is delighted to present Band Camp, a new exciting brass band summer school experience specifically for students and those aged 18-25.

Running from Wednesday 25th – Monday 30th August 2021, this 5-night residential is open to any brass or percussion musician aged 18-25 (including school leavers, university students, or those not at university) and anyone over 25 currently in higher education.

Led by musical director David Thornton (Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Head of Brass, RNCM), Band Camp will involve a mixture of full band rehearsals, sectionals, workshops, and performances, with other guest artists and tutors to be announced soon.

In true UniBrass style, participants can expect an enjoyable balance of musical and social activities. It will be a musically beneficial week with interesting repertoire and performance opportunities, alongside excursions, outdoor activities, and plenty of evening entertainment.

Based at Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre, Chapeltown, near Sheffield, participants will stay in bunkhouse dormitory style accommodation or have the option to camp if they prefer.

The course will cost £190 (bunkhouse) or £160 (camping) for half board stay, with self-catering facilities available too. Payment can be made in instalments or as one sum.

Registration is open now! Simply visit unib.co.uk/bandcamp to join us!

David Thornton said: ‘Right from the outset the UniBrass initiative has been an extremely important addition to the brass band calendar. The contest has injected energy and drive to band activity and now Band Camp will extend that work. I’m looking forward to a great event; full of quality music, creativity, team building, fun and performances. I personally can’t wait!’

Andy Straiton, UniBrass Chair, said: ‘We believe that Band Camp fills a gap in the market with a new opportunity for young people to get involved with UniBrass and find out what we are all about – whether they currently go to university or not. We have a great week planned musically, with plenty of socials too, all at an affordable price.’

Band Camp participants will develop musically, form a group of like-minded friends, and enjoy a blast of brass after what has been an unusual year.

UniBrass and Brass Bands England are constantly monitoring the Covid-19 situation and working within all guidelines.