Brass Weekend 2026

Friday 23 October – Sunday 25 October 2026

Ellesmere College

Applications will open in July 2026

Our brass weekend is aimed at experienced orchestral brass players with good sight reading ability. We aspire to play to a high standard, but above all the aim is to have a fun weekend, playing in different sized ensembles and making good music with like-minded people.

The subscription for the Brass Weekend 2025 is £225. The subscription covers the costs of the weekend, including full board and accommodation at Ellesmere College. Players whose applications are successful will be contacted by the Brass Organiser with further details about how to pay the subscription.

The weekend starts at 5pm on the first day and ends at 4pm on the last day.

We will rehearse three repertoire works with a final play through at the end of the weekend. Participants will also play in two octets, sight reading a wide range of repertoire. Details of music to be played in the octets will be circulated to participants nearer the time.

The Orchestral Brass ensemble is made up of:

• Six trumpets – to include players doubling on flugel horn, piccolo and D/E-flat trumpets
• Four horns
• Three trombones
• Euphonium doubling trombone
• Two tubas
• A timpanist/percussion player

The programme has become very popular and we are expecting that there is likely to be competition for some places. Early application is encouraged, since applications will be considered in the order they are received. The Musical Director’s decision on participation is final.

The weekend is led by Shaun Matthew, EOS Brass Musical Director – see below.