Following Black Dyke’s annual concert for the Sheffield Salvation Army, it was straight down to Birmingham Airport for Richard and Gary Curtin, as they flew out the following morning to deliver their expertise as soloists and advise youngsters through to adults, at the Douai Academy.
The whole day was supported by Besson and was the result of two brass bands from the North of France, Brass Band Nord-pas-de-Calais and Brass Band Douai. The choice of repertoire tested the three brass bands (a baby brass band, junior band and an advanced band) plus for the delegates to be able to listen to the outstanding talents of Richard and Gary both deliver a virtuosic solo and a slow melody, they really began to understand the concept of improving brass band sound and technique.
A quote from Jean-Lic Petitprez, the academy organiser, summed up the whole day. “To have two eminent brass band names as Richard Marshall and Gary Curtin in touching distance of many French brass band enthusiasts was a great experience - see you again next year!”
Following the long and successful day, it was up bright and breezy in time for Richard and Gary to fly back to the UK for Black Dyke’s concert at The Derngare Theatre, Northampton.
