Brass Band Summer Camp in Nagahama
On August 17 and 18, the Yamaoka Memorial Foundation hosted the "Brass Band Summer Camp in Nagahama" in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture.
This program invited professional musicians from the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, accomplished soloists, and world-renowned conductor Kiyotaka Teraoka. Through guidance on instrumental technique and musical expression, participants were encouraged to develop broad musicianship and expressive performance skills.
Participants were mainly (but not exclusively) junior and senior high school students living or studying in Shiga Prefecture, recruited through an open call. Fifty people took part.
On the first day, instrument-specific lessons were held at "Sazanami Town," a cultural facility built on the site of the former Nagahama City Hall.
Since Sazanami Town also houses a public library, the sounds of practice reached the library as well, allowing visitors there to sense the atmosphere of the lessons.
During the first day and the morning of the second, participants received lessons grouped by instrument, focusing on playing techniques and expression.
Instruction covered basics such as posture and conveying emotion while performing. In some cases, students practiced breathing techniques to produce a more beautiful sound using tools such as straws and balloons.
It was impressive to see participants taking notes to carefully absorb their teachers' advice and applying themselves wholeheartedly to improve their skills.
On the afternoon of the second day, a public lesson concert was held at Asai Bunka Hall, the largest concert hall in Nagahama.
The audience was also invited to take part, and under the baton of Maestro Kiyotaka Teraoka, the ensemble rehearsed and performed together.
During the session, participants listened attentively to explanations of performance methods and responded sincerely to the Maestro's guidance.
He emphasized not only individual technique but also achieving harmony with other instruments.
As a result, each participant was able to demonstrate rich expressiveness, and even though it was their first time playing together, the ensemble produced a powerful and well-coordinated performance.
Survey responses from participants included comments such as, "By learning about posture and breathing, the resonance of my playing improved dramatically," and "By learning the history of the instrument, I feel much closer to it than before."
Audience members of the public lesson concert also remarked that it was "a valuable opportunity for children to receive instruction from professionals," and many expressed their hope that the event would continue in the future.
Guided by Yanmar's cultural philosophy "HANASAKA" (believing in and nurturing human potential), the Yamaoka Memorial Foundation will continue to support the musical activities of the next generation.