Leyland were delighted to welcome two young Swiss players to play with the band whilst they are on short term acedemic studies in the UK.

Thomas Bagnoud and Valentin Duc from the small village of Chermignon in the Swiss Canton of Valais are spending spring with Leyland whilst they both complete English courses at Manchester’s Education First (EF) and Berlitz Schools. Both have also taken the opportunity to participate in music programs at the Royal Northern College of Music.

 

Valentin, greeted here by Leyland’s Solo Euphonium James McLeod holds the same position with his local band, Ancienne Cecilia of Chermignon and also with the Valais Brass Band.

 

Leyland’s Principal Cornet Pete Shaw was delighted to welcome Thomas who plays Repiano Cornet and Solo cornet with Ancienne Cecilia and Valais bands.

 

Both young men have enjoyed a weekend away with Leyland, performing in back to back concerts in Northampton and Norwich, which also gave them time to socialise with Leyland players. Thomas and Valentin are friends of Leyland’s ex-cornet player Lucien Rey, so this visit is also a chance to experience some of the enjoyment Lucien (Lulu) shared with the band.

 

Another young Swiss brass player has spent a brief liaison with Leyland Band whilst in the UK for short term studies

Patrick Clivaz from the Swiss canton of Valais has spent the summer studying English in Manchester and Leyland have been delighted to have him rehearse and perform with the band whilst during his stay.

From the village of Chermignon where he is currently assistant principal cornet with his village band Cecilia Chermignon, Patrick is the cousin of Leyland’s long standing Swiss cornet player Lucien Rey.

In August this year, Patrick will be joining the solo cornet rank of one of Switzerland’s best known bands, Brass Band 13 Etoiles. He studies under Angelo Bearpark whilst at home, and he has also benefited from some cornet lessons with Richard Marshall at the Royal Northern College of Music during his time in Manchester.

All at Leyland have really enjoyed his contribution, and wish all the very best for the future.

Leyland Musical Director Thomas Wyss congratulates Patrick on his short time with Leyland Band following the fantastic ‘Brass Attack IV’ concert on 13th July 2015.