Students of all ages once again delighted a sold-out audience during a day of concerts at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, a fitting finale to the 54th Wessex Band Summer School.
This year, the longest-running course of its kind took place from Monday, 28th July, to Saturday, 2nd August. During the final concerts on the Saturday, audiences were treated to a wide variety of music, from epic film scores to toe-tapping arrangements of modern pop tunes and everything in between, culminating in a massed bands performance of Peter Graham’s Call of the Cossacks.
Wessex Band Summer School is a week-long course for brass, wind and percussion players of all levels and abilities. Under the expert direction of Musical Director Michael Fowles and an internationally renowned musical staff, students are given the chance to test themselves playing a wide and exciting range of music whilst having fun and making new friends.
Mike is well known for his outstanding work with a wide range of musical ensembles, having worked extensively with brass, wind and youth bands of all abilities. He takes delight in being able to create a supportive and musically challenging atmosphere in rehearsals and is currently the musical director of the Foden’s Brass Band.
Speaking about this year’s event, he said, “Wessex 2025 was a phenomenal week full of good music, good fun and good friends. With numbers increasing on the course for a fourth consecutive year, we’re seeing an incredibly positive response to our ethos of progress through enjoyment and encouragement.”
The non-residential course is held at Sturminster Newton High School in the beautiful North Dorset countryside. Students are able to camp on-site, while some choose to stay in one of the many guest houses or hotels in the area. Camping, which is operated by the Wessex Camping Committee, helps to foster a sense of community on the course.
Wessex Band Summer School is made up of three bands: a training band for players up to approximately grade 4 standard, a wind band, and a brass band, both for players of grade 4 and upwards. Every year, the course welcomes players of all ages and abilities, from all over the country, who are attracted by its friendly, supportive and inclusive values and atmosphere.
WBSS Chairman Matt Stimpson also shared his thoughts after the concerts: “What a fantastic week! The course is so special to so many, and the work of our delegates this week has been breathtaking. The final concert is a by-product of a week of hard work, wonderfully supportive tutors and truly inspirational delegates who make progress every single day. Don’t miss out next year; get those entries in to be part of something truly special.”
The 55th course will return to Sturminster Newton from 27th July to 1st August 2026, with an early bird offer available on bookings made before 31st December 2025. After reaching capacity numbers in 2025, the message for next year is to book early to avoid disappointment. Why not bring some friends and make a real occasion of it? For more details, and to book your place, please visit www.wessexband.com.
