YOUNGSTERS who participate in Thurrock's Marching Brass group have been honing their skills, despite not being able to get together.

Recently members of Marching Brass joined conductor Philip Harper and the Cory Brass Band, currently the world's best and their section leaders in a virtual brass and percussion day which saw Philip and the section leaders guide all participants through their respective instruments and parts to two pieces - A Melvern Suite by Philip Sparke and The Washington Post by Sousa.

Thurrock Marching Brass chairman and virtual trumpet participant Paul Morgan said: "This is the first time we participated in such a day and I would like to thank Philip Harper and the members of the Cory Band for working not only with the youngsters from TMB but for all of us.

"It was a truly inspiring event and one that I am sure the kids involved will remember for a long time to come.

"I do hope that Philip hosts more of these events as the format and the joy of playing really was amazing and I for one learned a great deal in such a short space of time from the masters. I couldn't recommend this enough to anyone, young or old to sign up should another opportunity arise to do so. So many instructional ideas and arrangement nuances that I will be taking away personally too.

"Thank you again Philip and everyone at Cory who helped on the day or who popped into the chat area during the breaks for hosting such a wonderful day."

Mr Harper took the entire virtual band through each piece and then each section split off into virtual rooms to work with their respective section leaders. This gave all participants some real access to the section leaders which was invaluable.

Once that was completed the virtual band was brought back together with the conductor and the pieces enjoyed under his guidance once more.

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There were also breaks where participants could chat and that exchange was also described as 'invaluable' by Mr Morgan who added: "Despite some internet connection challenges locally the day was a great success and I couldn't be any more proud of them. I know I am not alone in saying that I miss being back at band right now but to have an opportunity like this come along really does energise you even more to get back into the swing of things when restrictions are lifted and we can all do so.

"For anyone out there with youngsters between eight and 16 who will be looking for an outlet to channel their considerable energies, why not get in touch with me at [email protected] and I can keep you updated.

"No experience is necessary at all as my staff are some of the UK's most accomplished and we provide instruments too. Please stay safe out there."