Spanish Brassurround 2007

I just got back from my four days in Spain, and it was a great time. We started off the trip last Thursday flying to Alicante, which is a major tourist destination for UK residents.

The weather was great once we stepped off the plane. Not too hot, no humidity - felt great! We were greeted by two euphonium players from Spain who drove us to Torrent, where the festival was.

On the first day of the festival, we got to meet a lot of euphonium players from other places. There were about 15 euphonium players from all over Spain, as well as a guy from Holland and then myself and Phillippe who were along for the ride from the UK.

There was a welcome address and some remarks (all in Spanish, mind you) and we got off to a start in a 3-hour masterclass with Steven Mead.

Other than Steve, there was also the Spanish Brass Quintet (who are amazing), Jens Bjorn-Larsen from Denmark (one of the most musical tuba players I have EVER heard... seriously...), and a great guy named Rupert Hoerbst who was an artist who drew caricatures musicians and musical 'jokes.'

Steve played with a town band in Torrent, which was actually pretty darn good. He played Peter Graham's Bravura, and then followed up with Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms. Two pretty standard pieces - but, the crowd went nuts. A great concert, and a great start to the weekend.

Meeting people from a different country (with a language barrier) was definitely interesting. Luckily, most of the younger students spoke a little English, which was nice. You kind of felt ignorant to no speak their language - and wanted to learn some to feel more 'at home' in their country.

Overall it was a great week with a lot of good food, good music and beautiful landscapes. Spain is a beautiful country with nice, friendly people who really enjoy their heritage and culture.

So, now I am back in Manchester getting ready for the first area competition with the Besses. The test-piece is getting there - but, we have a whole week of rehearsals leading up to the 'day'... More posts later, but for now - enjoy the rest of the pictures!