Blushing Brass, the all-female brass band of Verwood Concert Brass, was joined by many other female brass players from over 20 other bands to enjoy The Big Blush – a whole day music workshop and mini concert to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. The event raised a fabulous £1,300 for the charity.
Around 70 female brass players gathered at 9am at Parkstone Grammar School in Poole on Saturday 25th June to commence a fun packed day of music making through all-band rehearsals and break-out sectional workshops, culminating in a fabulous hour long concert to show off what a great sound they could make.
Blushing Brass was formed a few years ago by Verwood Concert Brass player Jan Tiller after being inspired by Boobs & Brass, the all-female fund raising brass band. Last year Blushing Brass and Boobs & Brass held a fantastic joint concert but this year Jan wanted to try something a little different and struck on the idea of getting ladies together for a whole day workshop.
It was a brilliant success. The day was led by Verwood Town Band conductor, Emma Button, who also doubled up as the trombone, Euphonium and baritone sectional tutor. Other experienced players also led sectional workshops for the cornet sections, horns and basses. The attendees were also well looked after during the breaks by volunteer helps serving refreshments including an array of delicious homemade cakes.
The day closed with the mini concert, with all of the ladies dressed in pink and treating the appreciative audience to pieces such as “I’m Still Standing”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “Let It Go” and finally “Happy”.
Jan Tiller was more than happy though saying “It was a really fabulous day made possible by so many fantastic helpers. It was so rewarding to see everyone having such a great time and I have had so many comments about how great it was for the ladies from so many different bands to all get together in such a friendly atmosphere. Ultimately it raised lots of money for such a worthwhile charity by doing what we love doing. Now everyone wants to do it again!”
