Swynnerton Brass Course 2004

Chris Houlding and Pete Lacey

Over the last 4 years trombonist and British trombone Society representative Peter Lacey has held a trombone and trumpet course in the picturesque village of Swynnerton, Staffs. With 25 trumpet players and 35 trombonists in attendance, the residential course aims to give players of all ages and standards the opportunity to study with some of the UK's top brass instrumentalists.

This year the senior trumpet tutor Reece Owens, principal trumpet with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, divided his time between trumpet ensembles, mixed ensembles and individual tuition with selected students.

Chris Houlding returned to the course for his third year as senior trombone tutor. Chris was involved with the trombone choir, mixed ensembles and individual tuition.

On the Saturday afternoon, Chris and I presented a class about Edwards trombones. This insight into the why and how of trombone design included a 'mock' fitting. We used different slides, bells, tuning slides along with several custom leadpipes that I had made for Chris in a blind test. A lengthy Q&A session covering many aspects of Edwards trombone design followed.

On the last evening of the course the students gave an evening concert in the Village Hall, which was attended by parents, friends and some locals who had enjoyed the sounds around the village over the previous few days.

— David Holt