Two-day intensive residential for established bands: Explore how the band work as a team to create exciting performance material for a variety of contexts including parades, strolling street theatre and staged performances. The workshop covers moving and playing as a group, increasing overall performance ability, communicating effectively with your team inside and outside performance, managing and marketing a band, and learning some great new tunes. Our facilitators also have a wealth of knowledge in instrument tuition and repair, costuming bands and project development, all of which they are happy to share with participants.

Debbie Austin, Blast Furness - two day intensive residential for established bands

“‘Inspirational’, ‘exciting’, ‘compassionate’, ‘caring’ and ‘fantastic’ are just a few words that come to mind when reflecting on our band workshop, facilitated by Sonya and Will. It was extraordinary how much we covered in that time. Sonya and Will came with a sensitive and flexible plan that was designed to address many of the challenges that street bands face. We were also given new music to add to our repertoire, and spur-of- the-moment masterclasses in sax technique and learning music.

“Both Sonya and Will created a safe place in which to stretch us individually and as a group. Both were so skilled at seamlessly and immediately adjusting to individual comfort levels, two brilliant facilitators for our weekend. This may turn out to be another pivotal moment in our band’s history!”

A one-day, whistle-stop tour to transform your music and performance into outdoor contexts including static street gigs and parades. The workshop covers moving and playing as a group, increasing performance ability and material, communicating effectively with your team inside and outside performances and learning some great new tunes. Our facilitators also have a wealth of knowledge in managing and marketing bands, instrument tuition and repair, costuming bands and project development, all of which they are happy to share with participants throughout the day.

Charles Huckvale, Hull Carnival Arts – one-day CPD training course for experienced bandleaders and musicians

“Just wanted to say another big thank you for an inspirational and brilliant workshop... everybody has been buzzing about it, and I am sure it will have a lasting legacy. Over half a dozen of the participants are forming a pop-up band for the Lord Mayor’s Parade next weekend, so instant success!”

A one-hour lecture and Q&A about the UK Outdoor Arts Sector, established networks and professional opportunities for musicians and performers. This can be followed by a 1.5-hour practical workshop introducing students to devising techniques and practical stepping-stones to develop spark ideas into successful outdoor arts or music projects.

BA Theatre Arts (Acting) Hons Undergraduate student, Manchester School of Theatre at

Manchester Metropolitan University – HEI professional preparation workshop

“...I've loved the thought of creating my own work and devising. You've really inspired me to pursue an idea that has been passively running through my mind – so thank you!”

A one-day, introductory workshop to performing music and movement outdoors. This includes movement for street and processional contexts, sectional rehearsals in smaller groups and working together as a whole band. The day culminates in a collaborative, flash-mob performance with Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners for the whole school to enjoy.

Asheville School, Harrogate- one-day, introductory workshop.

“…It has helped enrich the lives of our scholars and will no doubt encourage them to follow their passions. Mr Wilson’s Second Liners were a superb…They made a lasting impression.”

Suzanne Peers, Head of Music, Specialist leader in Cultural Learning at Calder High School

“Working with Will & Mr Wilsons Second Liners has been a fabulous experience for our students. From a fairly traditional brass band background they had never had the opportunity before to be part of an immersive street performance. Playing from memory without music, whilst moving around is quite opposite to anything they have performed previously but Will& the boys were so supportive the kids took it all in their stride.”

This 40-minute participatory assembly introduces students to the music of Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, their individual instruments, rhythm and singing. For students with SEN, the facilitators sensitively respond to their interests and needs to create a bespoke intimate, stimulating and sensory experience, which is enjoyable for both students and staff.

Kate James, Festivals and Events Manager, Durham BRASS Festival

“Outreach and education work is the backbone to Durham BRASS Festival, with over 17,600 school children experiencing performances and workshops over one week in 2016. Mr Wilson’s Second Liners facilitated a number of sessions for us, tailoring content to the musical ability and age of the participants, ensuring everyone could join in and enjoy the activity on some level. Their capacity to enthuse and inspire the children in a short space of time, some from quite difficult backgrounds with various learning and behavioural needs, was a real asset to the festival and we are looking forward to working with them again.“

Alex Moscrop-Brown, Bluebell Meadow Primary School, Durham.

“The hall was bouncing! The whole school laughing, singing, clapping and finding their groove with the infectious energy of Mr Wilson’s Second Liners. A real taste of New Orleans- the children (and staff) were buzzing all day.”