Martyn Brabbins on drive-in opera, his banding roots and reconnecting | episode 18
Brass Bands on the RecordShow Notes
Celebrated conductor, Martyn Brabbins, has enjoyed a fast-paced international career, taking to the stage with many of the world’s finest ensembles but throughout his successes, he’s never forgotten his years in the brass band world which included early experiences at the Towcester Studio Band in Northamptonshire. From euphonium lessons with Bert Sullivan to beating Trevor Groom in a solo competition and attending the National Finals, keep listening for Martyn’s reflections on those years. He discusses rekindling his connections with the brass band world, gives his views on banding standards today and ponders stepping into the adjudicator’s box. But first, Martyn reflects on conducting life over the past few months.
More from Brass Bands on the Record
The dust is settling on the 2023 British Open Championship, and the cheers and songs from the delighted members of Foden’s Band have just about faded away. The band, already the reigning National and North West Regional champion, claimed its first British Open title since 2012, on Thierry Deleruyelle’s Sand and Stars. It was also a first for conductor Russell Gray, as he claimed his first Open win with the baton. You could say it was written in the stars – and it all made for a fabulous time for the renowned Sandbach band…
On the weekend bands and audiences are descending on Birmingham for the 2023 British Open Championship, celebrations are in order for a prominent Scottish figure in the banding scene. John Boax will be honoured with the Mortimer Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his work in fostering new generations of brass band players. It's alongside Gavin Higgins, who will receive the Iles Medal for his significant contribution to the brass band world. John’s career in brass music education has taken him far and wide, enjoying contesting success with some of Scotland’s finest bands and working alongside the likes of Major Peter Parkes and Nigel Boddice MBE. But it’s perhaps at grassroots level that John has enjoyed greatest satisfaction, nurturing generations of young performers, many of whom have gone on to enjoy glittering banding careers all over the world. He’s enjoyed several decades of involvement with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland, which remains very dear to his heart, and these days is known as an administrator in the Scottish banding scene, in his role as education officer with the Scottish Brass Band Association. It all makes for a remarkable career in banding – but John says news of the medal came as a bit of a surprise…
Welcome to a new podcast series called Brass Bands: On the Record! It features a familiar voice (Mark Good) and a fresh face, in Lillie McCluskie. The pair begin the new series by chatting to Brett Baker, principal trombone of the Black Dyke Band. Brett reflects on his lengthy tenure at the band, looks at contesting successes and discusses performing everywhere from Glastonbury to Bermuda with the famous Queensbury band. He chats about commissioning new music for the trombone, which has been a big priority for him, looks back at his musical roots - and even reveals why he was a millionaire's gardener!
Chief executive officer of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Mark Bromley, chats to British Bandsman editor, Mark Good. The Youth Band is in the midst of its Easter course at Harrogate Ladies’ College and is busy preparing for a concert on Saturday, April 16, in Huddersfield Town, where it will perform under the baton of guest conductor, Irene Anda, along with the wonderful trombone soloist, Grethe Tonheim. The concert is one of several engagements for the NYBB in 2022, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Mark discusses how the year is shaping up for the band and the organisation’s attempts to strike a balance between preserving proud brass band traditions while bringing the genre, and music education, to a more diverse audience. He also chats about forging strong links between the NYBB and its band of alumni. Subscribe to British Bandsman today!
Chief executive officer of Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston, looks ahead to the 2022 European Brass Band Festival, as the prestigious event rapidly approaches. He discusses planning for the festival while facing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and explains how this year’s festival, in Birmingham, is taking shape. Kenny also looks back on his own banding career, from following in the footsteps of his brothers by joining Broxburn Band in West Lothian, to enjoying celebrated times with Whitburn Band under the direction of the likes of Phillip McCann and Major Peter Parkes. Never stuck for something to say, Kenny chats about how his big mouth (those are his words) led to him becoming involved in banding administration and management, a lengthy tenure as editor of British Bandsman magazine and ultimately, on the path to where he is today at Brass Bands England. (Note: this interview was recorded before the withdrawal from the European Championships of Concord Brass Band). Subscribe to British Bandsman today!