RNCM Brass Band: Diversions on a Bass Theme (George Lloyd)

A performance given at Regent Hall, London on Friday 20th October 2017.

RNCM Brass Band

Established during the 1990's by brass innovator Howard Snell, the RNCM Brass Band has always been a flagship ensemble of the institution.

Geographically the RNCM is ideally placed for brass band students and it can boast a teaching staff that includes Roger Webster, Richard Marshall, Owen Farr, Katy Jones and Steven Mead. In 2014 the college appointed Prof. James Gourlay and Prof. David King as International Chairs in Brass Band Studies and they both work with the band students on a bi-annual basis. Other recent guest conductors include Nicholas Childs, Russell Gray, Garry Cutt and Elgar Howarth.

The teaching staff encourages students to become members of bands outside of the college and the RNCM benefits greatly from partnerships with some of the UK’s leading brass bands. The current RNCM Brass Band has members of Black Dyke, Grimethorpe, Brighouse & Rastrick and the Foden’s Bands within its ranks, as well as a good international representation from countries including, Switzerland, Latvia, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

The RNCM aims to ensure brass band students receive the highest levels of conservatoire education, through the repertoire they experience, the artists they work with and a generally sound approach to work ethic. The college endeavours for students to complete their studies at the RNCM with a broad-based education, not only with a qualification, but also a wide range of skills covering teaching, conducting, arranging and also as confident, clear communicators.

The RNCM Brass Band feature in the annual RNCM Brass Band Festival, which is the only place to see all of Britain’s top brass bands in a non-competitive environment.

In April 2016, the RNCM appointed Dr David Thornton to the role of Senior Tutor in Brass Bands.