NEWLAND CONCERT BRASS IN ITALY
The towns of Bathgate in Scotland and Cran Gevrier in France signed a twinning agreement in 2010 and many local groups have since taken part in exchange visits. Newland members took part in the first International Youth Music Camp in Cran Gevrier in July 2011. Following on from this fantastic experience, Newland Concert Brass hosted a successful second International Youth Music Camp in Scotland in July 2012. Both of these camps also involved young musicians from Piossasco in Italy because Cran Gevrier is also twinned with Piossasco.
Ten young players were delighted to be invited to represent Newland Concert Brass and Scotland in the third International Youth Music Camp in Piossasco earlier this month. The thirty brass and woodwind players from Scotland, France and Italy were aged from 12 to 17 years. Everyone stayed at CampusTre Denti which is located in the centre of Cantalupa, near Piossasco. As well as daily rehearsals they also took part in many activities including singing/percussion workshops, swimming, a visit to an amusement park and also sight seeing in Piossasco and Turin. Players also visited an Outdoor Adventure Park in the forest where they were harnessed up and completed a course high up in the trees involving ladders, ropes and zipwires! The young musicians took part in concerts in Cantalupa and also performed with the Cran Gevrier and Piossasco Orchestras in the Mulino. A highlight of the camp was when they took part in a flash mob performance in the city of Turin.
On the final day, band members enjoyed a five course lunch in Piossasco prior to the Finale concert. The concert took place in front of an appreciative audience of 300 in a large marquee. N.C.B. Band Manager, Karen Heenan said, "The week was a fantastic experience for all involved and we at Newland Concert Brass are extremely proud of all the participants. The young musicians showed commitment, resilience and enthusiasm throughout the entire week. It was fabulous to hear how much the young people developed musically over the week and great to see them rekindle friendships from the previous two camps." www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk
