Auditions now open for The NYBBGB’s 2027 Children’s Band and Youth Band
Talented young brass and percussion musicians from across the UK can now register and book an audition for The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain’s 2027 Children’s Band and Youth Band.
Auditions will take place at eight centres across the UK during October and November, offering young musicians the opportunity to take the next step in their musical journey and become part of The NYBBGB.
Auditions are completely free and take around 15 minutes. Candidates perform two contrasting pieces of their own choice, scales and a short sight reading test to one of our expert tutors.
Which Band can I audition for?
Eligibility is based on your school year at the time of audition – your school year from 1 September 2026.
The Children’s Band is open to brass and percussion musicians in Year 4 to Year 9 (or the Scotland/Northern Ireland equivalent), playing at approximately Grade 5 standard.
The Youth Band is open to brass and percussion musicians in Year 8 to Year 13 (or the Scotland/Northern Ireland equivalent), playing at approximately Grade 8 standard.
You do not need to have passed a Grade 5 or Grade 8 examination – you simply need to be playing at approximately the relevant standard.
Audition dates
Our 2027 in-person auditions will take place on:
Sunday 4 October – Northampton
Saturday 10 October – York
Saturday 17 October – Sidmouth, Devon
Sunday 18 October – Rogerstone, Newport, South Wales
Saturday 31 October – Shipley, West Yorkshire
Sunday 1 November – Salford, Greater Manchester
Sunday 1 November – Glasgow
Saturday 7 November – London
We encourage candidates to audition in person wherever possible. Meeting one of our tutors face-to-face gives you the best opportunity to demonstrate your playing in a natural setting, interact directly with your tutor and experience first-hand the supportive environment we aim to create for young musicians.
However, we recognise that attending one of our scheduled audition centres will not be possible for everyone. If you cannot find a suitable in-person date or time through the audition portal, you can contact us directly through the portal and we will explore an alternative solution with you, including the option of an online audition.
Why join The NYBBGB?
Being part of The NYBBGB gives talented young brass and percussion musicians the opportunity to develop their playing and musicianship through outstanding music-making at a national level.
Our members work with world-class conductors, tutors and guest artists, tackle challenging and exciting repertoire, make new friendships and perform at major venues around the country.
And 2027 will be a particularly special year to join us as The NYBBGB celebrates its 75th anniversary – celebrating 75 years of musical excellence while continuing our mission to inspire and develop the next generation of brass and percussion musicians.
We are also committed to ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to taking part. Our dedicated bursary fund provides financial support towards residential course fees for families who need it.
Register and book your audition now
Registration and booking are now open. We encourage young musicians, parents and carers to book as soon as possible to secure a preferred audition location and time.
Find out everything you need to know, register and book your audition at www.nybbgb.org.uk/join.
We look forward to hearing you!
