The weekend of 3rd/4th October saw Bruce Fraser flying to the Island to host a tutorial weekend for the 'Neptune St. Nippers'. The previous weekend had seen him in Harrogate listening to his test piece ALTA VISTA, which had been chosen for the 4th Section bands. From there it was off to Manchester to witness the recording of his Tuba Concerto by player extrordinaire Jim Gourlay and then on to the Isle of Man for the weekend. 4 members of the 'Nippers also play in the National childrens Brass Band of Great Britain. Illiam Quane is Principal Cornet in both. Winnie Wood is Principal Euponium and Charlotte Underwood first 2nd Trombone in NCBB, but were playing their second instruments for the 'Nippers. Winnie on Bass Trombone and Charlotte on Euphonium. Ellen Quane is 1st Horn in NCBB and Principal Horn in 'Nippers. Ages in the band are from 7 upwards with a total of well over 45 players when they all turn out.

The weekend tutorial ended with a concert conducted by Bruce and featuring 9 pieces composed/arranged by him. Plus several others. The Isle of Man under 16 Brass Solo Champion, Theo Leach breathed a different style of music into the proceedings with his brilliant rendition of Fnugg on the Eb bass. Also featured was an arrangement of traditional Manx tunes arranged especially for the band by Bruce Fraser as well as an hilarious solo/duet rendition of 'The Acrobat' with Charlotte Underwood blowing the trom. and Bruce working the slide. One of our Junior Quartets (Alfie's Army) played Boogie Woogle Bugle Boy. - Winnie Wood, Jason Turner, Florence Wood and Alfie Leach.

During the weekend Bruce had organised a competition provide a title for his new piece. The winning title was chosen to be 'The Heather and the Gorse', suggested by Daisy Revill and Ellen Quane. This piece is well worth considering for junior concert or competition featuring 4 traditional Manx tunes with a Gaelic theme. Shortly to be available on http://www.lomondmusic.com.