
Enchanted Light was created to introduce my new role as Composer in Association with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. It is the 9th in the Bluebird series, a collaborative online project with Belinda Evans. I'd recently worked with Colin Booth who commissioned me to write for the ottavino (Diamond Fantasia) and I wondered what it would be like to combine that with the majestic sound of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and of course the wonderful voice of Belinda Evans!
Enchanted Light was put together by the amazing team of Lukas Greiwe (UWE Bristol) on sound, video by Sam Johnston and animation by Gary Andrews. It was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
Words are by Carole Bent, the creative catalyst of our Bluebird project through her inspirationalSTEM to STEAM gatherings.
If we are lucky, we all have moments in the sunlight,
when the day seems a little warmer
and the sky a little bluer.
If we are lucky, we notice the glitter in the concrete,
the sparkle in the cement
and we remember to stop and to smile.
If we are lucky, we see hearts everywhere,
not just in the eyes of those we love,
but all around us as we walk in nature,
in a leaf blown or a smudge left
or a pebble rolling back from the sea.
And at the end.
This is it.
Only love and nature really count.
(C) Carole Bent

There's nothing as glorious as the sound of a brass band, the close harmony of a barbershop chorus, or the uplifting power of a church organ. This concert promises to deliver it all!
Featuring the Brass Band of Central England, the Silver Lining Chorus, with a special performance of The Finale from Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony for brass band and organ, with special guest Organist Rachel Mahon (as featured at the BBC Proms).

The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference is the world's largest instrumental music education conference, annually drawing approximately 17,000 attendees to Chicago from all 50 states and as many as forty countries.
The Midwest Clinic annual conference offers engaging learning opportunities for high school students, college music majors, new teachers, veteran teachers, and music administrators. Attendees may choose from 100+ clinics presented by leaders in the profession, aimed at teaching specific instruments or sections, conducting and rehearsal techniques, administering a music program, developing strategies for recruitment and retention, strengthening strategies for music advocacy, teaching improvisation and composition, and implementing technology. Two cornerstones of the conference are the Reading Sessions, that highlight new music publications, and the Rehearsal Labs, that demonstrate best teaching practices.Throughout the conference, Performances are presented by a variety of musical groups from around the world, including: string orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles or combos, and a variety of chamber groups. Musicians in these ensembles range from elementary, middle, and high school students, college and university students, adult community organizations, professional musicians, and the premiere performers of The United States Military.