During the week of the course our dedicated and friendly volunteers, music staff and committee will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just look out for the tell-tale lanyards!
To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s some useful advice for any newcomer onto the course…
The Wessex Band Summer School week starts with a welcome and an introduction to the course staff on the Monday morning. This will provide you with a wealth of information so we suggest if you are a parent and have children on the course then you come along to hear about the course.
Each day there are rehearsals with the different conductors, whether you’re in the brass, wind or training band, as well as a sectional with an expert tutor.
Both rehearsals and sectionals are spread out through the days over five approximate hour-long sessions; these are sometimes slightly longer or shorter than an hour depending on the timetable requirements of the staff. Sectional rooms are marked clearly throughout the school with a map located at the helpdesk area. It is best to check where your sectional room is as soon as possible on the Monday morning to remove any confusion throughout the week.
There are a number of 20 minute breaks and an hour for lunch during the days to allow students plenty of rest between sessions. Make sure to take advantage of this to keep yourself fresh during rehearsals and sectionals. You will do enough playing throughout the week without playing in breaks too!
Should you need any music photocopied during the week, there are facilities provided for this on the helpdesk, where the staff will always be happy to assist.
In the evenings there are a wide variety of events on the campsite situated on the school field, these activities are organised by the Wessex Camping Committee. These range from a Festival of Lanterns to the ever-popular Red Wine Night, culminating in the Wessex Talent Show on the Friday night.
Above all, the Wessex Band Summer School is there for you to enjoy yourself. So, if you have any problems or questions throughout the week, never be afraid to ask a member of staff or committee member. We are here to help you have the best week possible.