ACHIEVING HIGH MUSICAL STANDARDS

The Academy aims to provide an environment where children and young people, irrespective of ability or background, can learn to play a brass instrument, improve their musical skills, perform successfully as a band and develop an understanding of discipline, self respect and teamwork.

The emphasis is on achieving high musical standards….whilst having fun! The Academy could be described as a “musical Youth Club”, and the social side is as important to our youngsters as the playing.

The Lanner Brass Academy was established in January 2010 not only to provide musical tuition in brass but also to give the members an opportunity to play together as a band. The Academy has the support of the senior band members many of whom are actively involved as tutors of the Academy. As well as some more experienced players the Academy is fortunate to have engaged the services of some of the younger members who currently hold positions in the Cornwall Youth Brass Band as well as some who are members of the English National Youth Brass Band.  The children of the Academy can relate to these players and can aspire to achieve as they have done.

The Academy band plays an active part in the local community through public performances at concerts, fêtes and other community events.

The Academy made its debut contest performance in June 2012, just two and a half years after its formation.  The hard work and dedication of all its members paid off when they achieved 2nd place against a field of five training bands, many with members a lot older than ours.  At the same contest our principal cornet player, Siana Rouse was awarded the trophy for 'Best Cornet Player' of the section.

Phil has been involved with brass bands for some 30 years spending time at Redruth, Illogan Sparnon and Carharrack & St Day. During his time with Carharrack Phil also directed their youth band as well as being Band master to the senior band, a position he has also previously held in Lanner.

Phil’s responsibility is to bring all the young musicians together as a band to ‘make music’ from the individual parts of each member.

 

Following this Stuart spent some time with St Keverne Band also achieving Championship status with them before a welcome return to Lanner in 2009.

The Lanner Brass Academy meets on Thursday evenings, 6.15 to 7.30 at the Bands temporary home, Crofthandy Chapel.  Monday nights are reserved for our beginners training section where new starters receive their initial training from 6.30 to 7.30.

Members are taught in small groups by one of the Academy tutors (members of the Lanner and District Silver Band) and come together as a band under the direction of Phil Matthews.

On a regular basis younger members of the senior band attend rehearsal enabling beginners to sit along side some of the counties best young musicians. The Musical Director is joined by the Academy’s Musical Advisor, Stuart Chappell for these rehearsals.

Membership

All tuition, music etc is provided, members pay a small subscription for this as well as a charge for the 'hire' of an instrument, this is to ensure the continued financial viability of the Academy and enables it to ensure that all instruments are kept up to a suitable standard.  Members and their parents are encouraged to take part in fund raising activities, not only to provide funds for the Academy but also to strengthen the teamwork and community spirit of the organisation.

The Lanner Brass Academy is governed under the constitution of the Lanner and District Silver Band.  In addition the Academy has its own code of conduct and expectations for its members.  A copy of these can be found here.

Contacts