A newly-formed island-based music school is to hold an open day this weekend and is inviting potential brass band players to come and find out more.

The Isle of Man Brass Band Academy, which has formed out of the former Onchan Junior band, will hold the open day on Saturday, October 31, at the bandroom, next to Onchan District Commissioners, from 9.30am to noon.

The open day will also allow the academy to unveil its new director, Manx musician and top-rated UK brass player David Karran, who has recently returned to the island to take up a number of music educational roles.

Alongside the role of the director of the academy, he is to take up the post of music teacher at Ballakermeen High School and also become the new conductor of the Onchan Silver band.

David, who is a highly regarded performer within the UK Brass band circles and who recently performed with the world-famous Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, alongside being the former director of Arts at Outwood Academy, in North Yorkshire, will rejoin old colleagues and friends in the Onchan Silver band, where he first acquired his love and skill for playing Brass band music.

’I am thrilled to be returning to the island with my wife Sian,’ said David.

’We are both musicians and under the late Gordon Astill, Onchan Silver Band was where it all began for me.

’The Isle of Man Brass Academy will provide an exciting new platform and outstanding opportunity for anyone to learn a brass instrument.

’Learning a musical instrument is a skill for life and can also lead to life-long friendships,’ he continued.

’The aim of our team in the academy is for young people to benefit from regular, personalised individual tuition, as well as invaluable ensemble and group sessions.

’It will all be provided free of charge and we would love to meet anyone interested, and their parents, as well as players of all ages at our open day.’

More information is available from the Isle of Man Brass Academy Facebook page or from iombrassacademy.im

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers