Brass Band Sagona Vist 2007
Enderby Youth Band were delighted to host a visit by the French group, Brass Band Sagona. from August 16th to 20th. This was a return visit, as Enderby Youth had been guests of Brass Band Sagona in April 2006. Brass Band Sagona, under the direction of their Musical Director, Pierre Marie Budelot, are an ambitious group of players. Many of the Band travel significant distances to their weekly rehearsals as Brass Bands are few and far between in France.
Pierre- Marie teaches the vast majority of the players, and a number of parents now play in his Band as a result of their children learning an instrument in the first place. He is devoted to raising the profile of Brass Bands in France, and welcomed the chance to visit the Brass Band culture of Britain.
The weekend began with a joint rehearsal on Thursday evening at Enderby Social Club. The combined bands of 70 players worked on Three Extraordinary Journeys by Philip Sparke under the direction of Trevor Hounsome, Enderby Youth Bands Musical Director. None of the players had seen this piece before, and it had therefore been specially chosen as a project for the weekend because of its association with the novels of the French author Jules Verne.
This was followed by social time of eating and drinking before the French Band returned to their base at Quorn Hall for the night. On Friday, Brass Band Sagona enjoyed a day out in Stratford, before returning to Enderby for a Civic Reception provided by Blaby District Council, at which both Bands played a short programme of music. Various presentations were made, and official speeches of thanks were exchanged.
On Saturday, a morning tour of Leicester included a live interview on Radio Leicester, before the players arrived at St James the Greater Church to rehearse for the evening concert. The concert was a huge success. Enderby Youth Band, Enderby Wind Band, and Brass Band Sagona all performed solo spots before the evening concluded with a number of Massed Band items, conducted by both Trevor Hounsome and Pierre Marie Budelot.
Sundays weather was disappointing, and an afternoon performance in Hinckley Park Bandstand had to be abandoned after an hour due to the torrential rain. However a very convivial evening at Quorn Hall followed to end the stay, with Karaoke proving an international hit with all concerned. Enderby Youth Band are now firm friends with Brass Band Sagona, and have already been invited back to France to continue our musical partnerships. Before then, the Youth Band have another prestigious invitation to undertake a weekend of performances in Rouen for the Armada 2008 Festival in July a high profile international event that expects around a million visitors. .

Trevor Hounsome EYB MD.

Brass Band Sagona
The band at Argents Mead Hinckley, Before the downpour!!