Maestro Eager gives masterclass

On Monday our Senior Concert Band participated in a rehearsal and masterclass with world-class conductor and soloist Mark Eager from the UK. Maestro Eager took the band through a number of techniques, with a focus on wind instrument technique, musicality and dynamics, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge as a musician and educator with our students.

Through his own stories and high level of professionalism, by the end of the rehearsal the band were sounding more polished than ever was an excellent precursor for the bands upcoming performances in Brisbane later this week. Maestro Eager commended the band on their impressive musicianship, skills and outstanding behavior. We would like to thank the Derwent Valley Concert Band, in particular Jim Taylor and Lyall McDermott for opening up this opportunity to our students, as well as Trinity Music who have sponsored Mark’s tour.

Mark Eager is an exciting conductor with a wide breadth of knowledge in the orchestral field. Underpinning this is his experience as a world-class player; Soloist and Principal Trombone with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales from 1993 to 2006. Since his appointment as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of The Welsh Sinfonia in 2006, Mark has diversified the Sinfonia’s traditional classical roots by commissioning and premièring new repertoire by some of the foremost British composers.

Mark has a particular talent for and is dedicated to working with young people. As Principal Conductor of Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra, he constantly enjoys the thrill of inspiring young musicians. Under his baton the orchestra is achieving significant educational and musical success.

Mr Martin Smith – Director of Bands