Top-class Fermanagh/Tyrone Brass Band Summer School delights

This year's summer school was particularly special as it marked 10 years since course director Stephen Crooks began his vision for FTBBSS in 2012 by assembling top-class musicians to provide expert tuition to the people of the Fermanagh/Tyrone area and beyond.

Talking to The Impartial Reporter, Stephen said: "It was great – it all went very well. We had about 60 musicians [ranging from ages seven to 65], so it was a good turn-out."

A view of the well-attended event from the rear of the hall.

During the course, participants worked with the tutors on pieces for the finale concert.

"So on the Thursday, [the participants] started off all together, like a big rehearsal, and then they went into sections with their instruments," explained Stephen, adding: "Then they went back into full rehearsals.

"On the Friday, they did workshops, which included African drumming, and ensembles with small groups of five or six musicians."

Conductor, Ian Porthouse.

That evening, the participants were treated to a private concert by the tutors, who displayed their various musical skills.

The summer school concluded on Saturday, firstly with a pop-up concert at The Diamond, Enniskillen in the afternoon, where the participants entertained shoppers with pieces they had been rehearsing. Unfortunately, this was cut short due to the inclement weather.

The pop-up concert was followed by the FTBBSS finale concert held in St. Macartin's Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen.

David Leonard and Jeannette Morton.

Around 90 people attended the finale event, and were treated to a fantastic array of brass band pieces.

Following the success of the 10th anniversary course, Stephen is pleased to announce that FTBBSS has secured the services of tutor Ian Porthouse for the next three years.

Wendy, Mollie and Stephen Crooks.

"Since its inception, the summer school has always strived to give the brass and percussion players of Northern Ireland a memorable experience with the highest calibre of musicians," said Stephen, going on to comment on the recent collaboration with Ian.

“This appointment is integral to the development of the brass band movement in Northern Ireland. Adding Ian to an already world-class tutor group, including Les Neish, Owen Farr, Dewi Griffiths and Amy Ewen, establishes a strong future to expand and improve the diverse aspects of the brass band here in, not only Fermanagh and Tyrone, but Northern Ireland."

Clive, Eli, Lois and Anna Trimble.

FTBBSS is also pleased to announce the tutor group of 2022 will return in 2023.

The summer school was funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with the finale concert sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Maria and Emily Gallagher.