AFTER the highly successful Brass Band Workshop at the end of March, John Packer Ltd is delighted to announce news of another event taking place in September.

Musicians are invited to our Symphonic Wind Band Workshop at Richard Huish College, in Taunton on Saturday 28 September.

We’re very happy to confirm that we will be welcoming back Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Chris Davis OBE BA(Hons) MMus DMA LRAM who has run a number of well attended workshops over the past few years.

Chris joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1975 and rapidly rose through the ranks to the illustrious position of Principal Director of Music in 2002. He has also had a successful academic career and gained a Doctorate in Musical Arts in 2006. Chris’s research programme resulted in five commercially available CDs of contemporary works for wind band. Since retiring from The Royal Marines Chris has been busy as a freelance conductor (including on one memorable occasion, the London Symphony Orchestra), clinician and adjudicator. More recently Chris has been appointed as Associate Conductor to the current National Brass Band Champions Brighouse & Rastrick. In short, Chris is something of a legend and this is a rare opportunity to benefit from his wealth of expertise.

While this is an informal event, the aim is to provide a high standard of performance and to enable those attending to have fun, gain experience and hopefully go home a better musician than when they arrived.

Tickets for the event are £8.50 each and must be pre-booked. The day features challenging music, so musicians must be of an advanced standard. Please bring a packed lunch, your instrument and a music stand. Registration starts from 9am for a 10am start with the day finishing at 5pm. Musical pieces for the day will be confirmed closer to the time of the event. 

Please call Andy for woodwind tickets and Steve for Brass and percussion tickets. Early booking is recommended as there are a limited number available.

The venue is Richard Huish College, South Road, Taunton, TA1 3DZ.

For more info and tickets please call 01823 282386 (option 1).

Nominated for no less than five Grammys, this year Roomful Of Blues are celebrating their 45^th year of performing big band, swing, rock ‘n’ roll and soul in a class of their own. With the help of some JP instruments in their horn section they are right on track to create a night to remember. Since 1967 they’ve received numerous awards; among others five Grammys and seven Blues Music Awards (Best Band in 2005) to name just a few.  Now celebrating their 45^th anniversary, the band are recording a live album “Roomful of Blues, 45 Live” featuring our very own JP144 Saxophone. If you haven’t heard them we strongly recommend you watch their recent performance at Rawa Blues 2012 which showcases their assured groove and passion for music.

Helping Roomful Of Blues deliver an unforgettable experience is Mark Earley on baritone and tenor saxophone. With a colourful career spanning over 30 years, Mark is a true master of his trade. After gigging around the Cleveland area with The Easy Street Band and others, he decided to move to Denton, Texas in 1985 to earn his Bachelors in Music at the University of North Texas. In the following years Mark performed with luminaries in the industry including the Dallas Brass and Electric, the great R&B pianist Karl Berkebile, and The Emerald City Band. Joining Roomful Of Blues in 2001 Mark and the band perform across the world from Russia to the Azores.

Confident and reliant on the high quality of John Packer instruments, Mark has chosen to play a JP144 Cadence Baritone Saxophone in their upcoming 45^th birthday celebrations this weekend. With high technical standards in support of great versatility and resonance in performance, the rose brass bow and bell give great depth to the sound. For the price, the instrument is unsurpassed in quality and standard.

For more information on these saxes along with the rest of the JP range please contact liesje@johnpacker.co.uk or visit our website at www.jpmusicalinstruments.com.

www.facebook.com/JPMusicalInstruments
www.twitter.com/JPMusicalIns

Come and see us at:
Frankfurt Musik Messe 2013: Sun 10 – Wed 13 Mar
2013 European Brass Band Championships, Oslo: Fri 3 – Sat 4 May
Music China 2013, Beijing: Fri 7 – Sun 9 Jun

AFTER 2012's highly successful Brass Band Workshop, John Packer Ltd is delighted to announce another event for Brass Band Musicians this Spring.

Musicians are invited to our Brass Band Day at The Castle School, in Taunton on Saturday, March 23rd.

We're delighted to welcome back retired Lieutenant Colonel Dr Chris Davis (OBE) who led our Symphonic Wind Day in 2012.

Chris joined the Royal Marines Band Service in September 1975 and on completion of three years training at the Royal Marines School of Music embarked onboard Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia.
On commissioning in 1993, he went to Salford University, gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Band Musicianship, studying conducting with Professor David King and composition under Ray Steadman-Allen and Professor Peter Graham.
After a period of research and mentoring by Professor David King in composer/conductor collaboration, he gained a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Salford in 2006. The research programme involved the commissioning and performance of contemporary works by British composers, including Nigel Clarke, Peter Graham and Robin Dewhurst.
In July 2002 Chris assumed the position of Principal Director of Music, Royal Marines and Commandant of the Royal Marines School of Music, the seventh in a line of celebrated musicians who have held this appointment.
After 34 years of service Chris retired from the Royal Marines in May 2009 and now pursues a busy career as a freelance conductor and adjudicator. He has adjudicated at the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as the Lower Section National Finals in Harrogate. Other judging positions have included ‘Brass’ in Concert and the Yeovil entertainment contest.
In December 2011 Chris accepted an invitation from the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick band to become their Associate conductor and now enjoys a busy schedule of concerts and recordings throughout the UK and Europe. In short, Chris is something of a legend and this is a fantastic opportunity to benefit from his wealth of expertise.

While this is an informal event, the aim is to provide a high standard of performance and to enable those attending to have fun, gain experience and hopefully go home a better musician than when they arrived.

Tickets for the event are £8.50 each and must be pre-booked. This day features challenging music (listed below), so musicians must be Grade 6-8 standard (or above) to cope with some of the technical demands.

'Earth Rites' Robin Dewhurst
'On the Edge of Time' Ray Steadman Allen
'Quintessense' Robert Redhead
'All Night Long' arr. Baker
'O Magnum Mysterium' Lauridson
'The Saga of Haarkon the Good' Philip Sparke

Please bring a packed lunch, your instrument, mutes and a music stand. Registration from 9am for a 10am start. The day will end at 5pm.

Please call Steve for tickets. Limited numbers available.

The venue is The Castle School, School Hall, Castle Sports Centre, Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AU, which is located behind Somerset College of Art and Technology (SCAT).

For more info and tickets please call 01823 282386 (option 1).

JOHN Packer Ltd will be making the annual trip to Skegness next weekend (Friday January 18th - Monday January 21st) for the annual Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Championships with a plethora of stock exclusive to the company.

On display will be K&G mouthpieces, Rath trombones - including the '00 Series- Rath accessories, pro-level instruments, JP Musical Instruments, secondhand instruments and a wealth of other brass band accessories and goodies.

Brass manager Steve Herbert will be accompnied by fellow brass experts and educational representatives Liz Slack and Grenville Moore.

Anyone with specific requests for instruments or accessories can contact steve@johnpacker.co.uk beforehand or call 01823 282386.

EIGHT-FIVE advanced musicians from far and wide joined together for the first John Packer Symphonic Wind Band Workshop on Saturday, September 29th at Castle School Taunton.
Players were guided and coached by Chris Davis on some interesting and challenging pieces. A great performance of Windows Of The World tested the whole band especially the three percussionists! The day was run with military precision from start to finish and ended with a ‘concert performance’ of selected pieces.

Some of the comments from players who attended the day are below:

  "A great day, well organised Steve and your team. Looking forward to the next one."

"Brilliant day Steve, really enjoyed it. Thanks to all at JP".

 "It was a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable day in all respects - thanks to Steve and co, and especially to Chris Davis for giving us all the benefit of your expertise & experience. Well done Packers - I'd love to do it again sometime!"

"Just wanted to tell you of what an incredible weekend I had in Taunton! I really really enjoyed getting to play British wind band repertoire that I have never played before. If you don't mind I would like details for other wind band workshops or workshops that John Packers might be involved in around the UK. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience."

"Thank you so much for such a great day today - please, please do another wind band day again!"

"Great day at the workshop yesterday, and a particular thanks to the 'brass chap' at Packer's for the great job he did on my Monnig horn. Thanks again."

"Thank you for a great day yesterday!"

PHOTO: The symphonic wind group that formed for one day only! To see more pics, click here

A busy weekend is coming up for the John Packer team with our trade stands out and about the Westcountry, see us at:

Saturday 22^nd & Sunday 23^rd September at the National Brass Band Championships at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse. Come and try out the latest editions to the John Packer musical instrument range, and make the most of some very special offers on our trade stand!

Sunday 23^rd September at Manor Gardens Exmouth for ‘Music In The Park’ featuring Exmouth Concert Band, The Hornblowers, Taunton Concert Band, Top Brass, The Band Of The Rifles and many more, all helping to raise funds for The Rifles ‘Care For Casualties’ appeal.

Dobcross Silver Band - winner’s of John Packer Ltd & Sterling Musical Instruments Competition to win David Thornton – will be showcasing their prize at a special concert on Sunday July 8^th.

Band member Paul Clough entered the competition to win David at the John Packer stand at Butlin’s Mineworker’s Brass Band Competition in Skegness last January.

Paul had the choice of having a private lesson with David, a band masterclass, or David featuring in a special concert.

David is a world renowned star on the euphonium, with various videos of him and his band Brighouse and Rastrick featured on YouTube.   

Anyone who has seen David perform will know that the concert promises to be a very exciting event.

John Packer’s and Sterling – proud competition sponsors – will also have a presence on the night. Rob Hanson (one of the Company's Directors and experienced musician) will be joining the band for the concert, guesting in the cornet section which he used to play in over 18 years ago.

The concert will take place at Dobcross Silver Band Club, on Platt Lane, Dobcross. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £5 for AOPs and under 16s. They are available from Dobcross Band Club, Dobcross Post Office and Uppermill Post Office. Tickets can also be reserved over the phone on 07715 680782.

AFTER the highly successful Brass Band Workshop in April, John Packer Ltd is delighted to announce news of another event taking place this autumn.

Musicians are invited to our Symphonic Wind Band Workshop at The Castle School, in Taunton on Saturday, September 29th.

Like the brass day, a very special guest will be leading musicians. This time we are pleased to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Chris Davis OBE BA(Hons) MMus DMA LRAM.

Chris joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1975 (along with our very own Brass Department Manager Steve Herbert!) and rapidly rose through the ranks to the illustrious position of Principal Director of Music in 2002. Chris has also had a successful academic career and gained a Doctorate in Musical Arts in 2006. His research programme resulted in five commercially available CDs of contemporary works for wind band. Since retiring from The Royal Marines Chris has been busy as a freelance conductor (including on one memorable occasion, the London Symphony Orchestra), clinician and adjudicator. More recently Chris has been appointed as Associate Conductor to the current National Brass Band Champions Brighouse & Rastrick. In short, Chris is something of a legend and this is a rare opportunity to benefit from his wealth of expertise.

While this is an informal event, the aim is to provide a high standard of performance and to enable those attending to have fun, gain experience and hopefully go home a better musician than when they arrived.

Tickets for the event are £7.50 each and must be pre-booked. This day features challenging music, so musicians must be of an advanced standard. Please bring a packed lunch, your instrument and a music stand. Registration from 9am for a 10am start. The day will end at 5pm.

Please call Andy for woodwind tickets and Steve for Brass and percussion tickets, limited numbers available.

The venue is The Castle School, School Hall, Castle Sports Centre, Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AU, which is located behind Somerset College of Art and Technology (SCAT).

For more info and tickets please call 01823 282386 (option 1).

Pieces to be played include:

Windows of the World  Graham

Resplendent Glory          Galante 

Londonderry Air             Grainger

Shepherds Song               Richards

Tocatta                               Bach arr. Farr

NINETY-FIVE brass players travelled to Queens College, Taunton in Somerset on Saturday 14^th April to attend the John Packer Brass Band Workshop with top soloists David Thornton (Brighouse & Rastrick) and Richard Poole (Foden’s).

The day started with David giving warm up advice and tips to all the players before tackling the various pieces of music which were designed to stretch the capability of the assembled ensemble.

As well as coaching the players throughout the day both soloists were given the opportunity to have their share of the spotlight, Richard’s awesome soprano playing in his own arrangement of La Virgin De La Macarena was just stunning and not to be outdone David followed with his faultless performance of the famous Euphonium solo The Carnival Of Venice during the final session of the day.

Steve Herbert Brass Department Manager of John Packer’s had given everyone a lighthearted ‘Brass Band Quiz’ and later in the day presented prizes to Graham Davies, John Woods & Dave Coles who came joint first with Christine Sweetapple, Jessica Smith, Holly Whale & Tegan Hill receiving runner up prizes.

Everyone who attended the day thoroughly enjoyed the event. Steve and his team give a big thank you to all the participants who took part in the day and also to David and Richard who made the whole day that something extra special.   

COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS:

‘What a great day. Us three Brummies had a marvelous time. A long drive but worth every mile. Please do it again – soon’.

‘Again, many thanks for organising today’s brass music fun day. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I am amazed at the amount of information I came away with that will hopefully make me a better player. Both David and Richard are masters of their chosen instruments and it was pleasure listening to there expert advice and to hearing them play. I have both of David’s solo CD’s and the latest Foden’s CD featuring Richard’s sop solo and so I knew what great soloists they are, but hearing them live was just fantastic. It would be good to this as an annual event and if this is to be the case, please put my name down for next year.’

 ‘I have attended several brass workshops in the hope of 'self improvement' (!)  This was by far the most effective and moreover it was highly enjoyable.  I have no criticisms whatever  --  just the opposite.’

 ‘Organisers seldom receive thanks, but I would like to add my thanks alongside, no doubt, that of many others and express the hope that the event will be repeated.’

John Packer Ltd will be at the Torquay Riviera International Conference Centre this Saturday & Sunday (March 10&11) with a tradestand at the West Of England Regional Brass Band Championships.

Brass manager Steve will have a selection of new & secondhand instruments for customer to try out plus loads of accessories, along with some very special deals for the weekend.

Steve will also be booking appointments for trombone players to test out the Rath range of pro instruments.

Visit the stand also to purchase tickets for our fabulous Brass Band Workshop on 14^th May.

For more details about the brass band workshop in May, or to request specific items to be taken to the weekend’s show, please call steve on 01823 282386 or email steve@johnpacker.co.uk