As part of our focus on developing the youth aspects of local Brass Banding, BBNI are delighted to announce a collaboration with renowned brass educator and trombonist Paul Fisher. The project will run in conjunction with our annual Solo & Ensemble competition.

Youth Leaders Workshop

On Friday 10^th February, Paul will be running a workshop for youth leaders and those who might be interested in starting a youth band. The event will primarily explore innovative ideas for engaging and inspiring young people. This will include learning some rhythm/listening/focus games which can be taken back to the bandroom to use in youth groups along with some fun music arrangements. The hope is that youth leaders will leave armed with lots of knowledge and ideas to start a youth group and to keep young people interested when they come to rehearsal.

Friday 10^th February 7.30pm @ Downshire Brass Bandroom, South Belfast.

The event is open to all bands. Please get in touch to reserve your place.

Solo & Ensemble Competition

On the Saturday 11^th February, BBNI will be running their ever popular Solo & Ensemble competition at Malone Presbyterian Church Halls, Belfast. Paul has been engaged to adjudicate the youth classes and will be running mini-sessions throughout the day with our young musicians to offer performance tips and ideas for improving their playing.

Saturday 11^th February 9.30am @ Malone Presbyterian Church Halls, Belfast

About Paul Fisher

As a trombonist, Paul studied at the Royal Northern College of Music before embarking on a career which has been wide ranging in musical styles. He has worked with many professional orchestras and groups such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, Jack Bruce’s (of ‘Cream’ fame) Big Blues Band. In the world of Pop he has performed, toured, and recorded with many diverse musicians such as Madness, Jools Holland, Barry Manilow, Gloria Estefan, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Charlotte Church, Il Divo, and Alfie Boe. In 2019 he toured the USA and Canada with The Specials, as they launched their No1 album ‘Encore’.

As an educator, Paul teaches over 400 children every week on first access courses in the primary school sector. He is lead teacher in Brass for Hertfordshire Music Service and conducts Hertfordshire Country Youth Brass. In his “spare” time, Paul has been MD of Amersham Band since 2009, and has led them from the Fourth Section to the Championship Section. During his time, Amersham has grown from one band to four with over 100 members spanning all age ranges and abilities, with one goal in mind – to have fun and enjoy making music.

All queries to secretary@brassbandsni.org or contact us via our facebook page.

We are thankful to be supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

#ACNISupported #NationalLottery #ThanksToYou @LottoGoodCauses