More than 80 musicians congregated at Richard Huish College on Saturday for John Packer Ltd’s annual Advanced Wind Band Workshop. This biannual event aims to bring together advanced woodwind & brass musicians from across the South West under the leadership of a special guest conductor.

This year, former Royal Marines Band Musical Director, Phil Watson led the band through a range of challenging repertoire including The Mummy Returns (arrangement by Pete Curtis), A Gaelic Blessing (John Rutter) and Britannia Academia (Colin Waller) amongst many others. 

Steve Herbert, John Packer Ltd’s Brass Manager commented on the day saying:

“It was great to see so many fantastic musicians coming together and playing to such a high standard. The repertoire was especially challenging this year but Phil’s experienced leadership made it an enjoyable day for all. A big thank you to everyone involved!”

Following a full days rehearsal, the band performed many of the pieces during a final performance, enjoyed by family and friends at the end of the day. Colin Waller, the composer for several of the pieces, made an unexpected visit to hear his compositions being performed. Colin is currently the Director of Music at Dartmouth’s BRNC Royal Navy Volunteer Band and has enjoyed a varied musical career including roles with the Education Music Service for Torbay Council, Southend Youth Symphonic Wind Band and others. 

John Packer Ltd are to host next year’s event on Saturday 25 February with Yamaha French Horn artist Richard Bissell. 

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Images from the day can be found on the John Packer Ltd Facebook page.