Intermediate and Beginner Courses

Directed by Simeon Yates and Steve Grant

Monday 11th – Saturday 16th August


We are pleased that Simeon Yates, the former Chairman of The British Association of Symphonic Wind Bands (BASBWE) will return to direct the Intermediate Ensemble. We also give a warm welcome to Steve Grant, an experienced musician and director to assist him with the Beginners.

We welcome both adults and children in these groups and provide a relaxed and friendly environment. Our excellent team of tutors will be there to assist you every step of the way and help you to make individual progress. You are very welcome to listen to both the Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Courses and to join in with other chamber groups during the week.

Lessons on your principal instrument can be booked separately if required. The intermediate and beginners courses are open to strings, woodwind, brass and percussion players. A popular and varied selection of music will be carefully selected for the week’s course. A concert will be held at Bicton College on the Friday evening for family and friends.

A welcome meeting will begin at 10.00 am on Monday 11th August and rehearsals will commence at 11.00 am. A detailed schedule will be given on arrival.





Simeon Yates

Simeon is dedicated to the development of wind bands and the promotion of wind repertoire.  He is very much involved in the educational aspect, the development and promotion of community wind music.  Until recently, he was chairman of BASBWE (British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensemble).

Simeon is currently Lead Teacher of Woodwind and Head of Huddersfield Music Centre for Kirklees Music School.  He is conductor and orchestral manager of the Kirklees Symphonic Wind Orchestra.  He is also musical director of the Yorkshire Junior Wind Ensemble.  In 1970 Simeon began studying in clarinet under Julian Hall and in 1978 he won an education scholarship and studied with Max Ben (Halle).  In 1980 he was awarded a music scholarship and in 1981 studied clarinet under Jack Brymer.  He studied ensemble direction under Major Peter Parkes and John Gully.

Following a very successful career in the north, Simeon has been invited to run workshops and conduct concerts throughout the country, he is regularly called upon to adjudicate at local and regional festivals and contribute to working parties within the wind band fraternity.  Simeon is very enthusiastic particularly when working with Junior and Intermediate level bands within education and community.  He places a great deal of importance, time and energy on bands at this level due to the fact that they are the next generation of wind band players.

Steve Grant – Wind Band Beginner’s Ensemble

Steve gained his musical experience while serving 25 years in the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. He travelled extensively throughout the world performing for Royalty and dignitaries.

Since leaving the Marines Steve continues with his musical career as a specialist teacher in East Devon, teaching Flute, Saxophone and Clarinet. He is musical director of Devon Youth Wind Orchestra, East Devon Music Centre Wind Band and Saxophone Choir, and conducts a variety of other ensembles.