Full pews in Halifax as the brass band pilgrims enjoy the ambitious and intriguing outlooks of youth and experience.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Conductors: Col David Barringer MVO MBE; Maj Brenden Wheeler; SSgt (BM) Greg Waters
Soloist: LCpl Emily Watson
Halifax Minster
Saturday 26th April

4BR Verdict: 4/5 stars

For the second time in as many weeks there was the welcome sight of a long queue of people waiting patiently to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in performance.

The added attraction on this occasion came with the British Army Brass Band, who made the most of their limited preparation time under Major Brenden Wheeler to provide a substantive first half of seriously purposed repertoire.

Fantastical subject matter

Their ambitious inclusion of Simon Dobson’s ‘Jesus in Tibet’  to open was interesting in many ways – not just because you suspected the rather fantastical subject matter wouldn’t have been touched on too often in Sunday School classes here.  With it also being performed twice at the forthcoming European Championships, the MDs interpretation of dramatic impulse and colourful excitement certainly whetted the appetite as well as the epistolic intrigue.

Their ambitious inclusion of Simon Dobson’s ‘Jesus in Tibet’  to open was interesting in many ways – not just because you suspected the rather fantastical subject matter wouldn’t have been touched on too often in Sunday School classes here.

Telling counterpoint

A more traditional evocation of faith came with Rebecca Lundberg’s touching ‘Pater Noster’  which featured the fine lyrical playing of principal cornet LCpl Emily Watson.  Kelly-Marie Murphy’s poetically inspired ‘Into the Darkness They Go, The Wise and The Lovely’  (led by SSgt (BM) Greg Waters) once again revealed its deeper character emotions in its homage portraiture of the late Branwell Tovey. It was a telling counterpoint to the rousing multi-national sounds (and images) of ‘Defend Every Inch’  – Chris Buchanan’s 75-year anniversary celebration of NATO as the finale.

Zesty brio

The second half saw the NYBBGB under Col Barringer reprise parts of their ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’ Tidworth programme; the upbeat tempo and spirit of LCpl Ashley Marston’s ‘Echoes of Youth’  march once again played with zesty brio.

The contrasts between the three movements marked by ensemble tonality and solo line confidence with a central movement that drew the listener into its emotional core.

The acknowledgment of sacrifice and loss in ‘Lest We Forget’  was balanced by the joyful swing of ‘Opus One & Big Band Tribute’,  before Philip Wilby’s ‘Lowry Sketchbook’  provided the substantial climax; the contrasts between the three movements marked by ensemble tonality and solo line confidence with a central movement that drew the listener into its emotional core.

A fine concert embracing its challenging ambition and outlook came to a close with the principal players of the British Army Band joining the youthful ranks for Dan Price’s ‘Peacemakers’.

Iwan Fox
4barsrest

Full review available here: https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con873.asp

You can find out more about this concert and watch a recording here.

Mature expressions of musicality and wider resilience underpin the ethos of the latest generation of National Youth Band performers in Tidworth.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Conductor: Colonel David Barringer MVO MBE
Soloist: Isobel Daws
Compere: SSgt Bandmaster Greg Waters
Tidworth Garrison Theatre
Saturday 19th April

4BR Verdict: 4/5 stars

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain continues to nurture the holistic development of its young musicians with an ethos enhanced by its current partnership with The Royal Corps of Army Music.

It was displayed here in the emerging maturity of youthful musical talent (a third of the 90 players making their debuts), but so too with the clear expressions of leadership and resilience, communal endeavour and appreciation of the relevance of history that underpinned the concert theme.

Safe hands

The cyclical nature of age and experience meant the current band is somewhat in transition, but with the welcome sight of 13 basses, an exceptional percussion team and principal leads of confidence (led by Stephanie Jonas on cornet) the future, from players evidently proud of their involvement, firmly endorsed Colonel Barringer’s assertion that its future “was in safe hands”.

With the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War soon to be celebrated, the sacrifices made by generations past was marked with telling homage.

A ‘full fat’ version of an arrangement of ‘Festmusik der Stadt Wien’ was a welcome surprise to open, followed by the classiest of contributions from guest soloist Isobel Daws; her ‘Bluebells of Scotland’ played with a refined, elegant exhibitionism, ‘Love Eternal’ shaped with a subtle, tender beauty.

Bustle and pulse

The world premiere of Lance Corporal Ashley Marston’s Alfordesque ‘Echoes of Youth’ march was delivered with quirky elan, before the first half closed with Philip Wilby’s ‘Lowry Sketchbook’.

The incessant human bustle and industrial pulse of Salford’s streets was neatly evoked in the opening movement, followed by the Edwardian melancholy of family portraiture and the Bach ‘Partita’ virtuosity of the Peel Park bandstand.

Pathos and fun

In the second half, and with the forthcoming VE Day anniversary in mind, the music recalled the bravery, tragedy and triumph that ended in May 1945 and of those who returned (including the father of NYBBGB, CEO Mark Bromley) and those who didn’t.

Dan Price’s ‘Peacemakers’, ‘Lest We Forget’ and ‘Big Band Tribute’ were permeated with both a mature sense of pathos as well as fun – the ‘Big Band’ set in particular led with a ‘night to remember’ joy.

Huge substance

In between came solo playing of huge substance with ‘Servant of Peace’, as Isobel Daws drew a richly characterised portrait of the former UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjold, a diplomatic with an artistic ethos of his own.

Bramwell Tovey’s uplifting ‘Coventry Variations’, dramatic and ultimately triumphant brought a fine, sold out concert at a super venue to a close. The standing ovation was thoroughly deserved.

Iwan Fox
4barsrest

(Image used with permission of Marc Gascoigne Photopgraphy)

Full review available here: https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con873.asp

You can find out more about this concert and watch a recording here.

In our second biannual Young Composers’ Competition, The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain set out to find six new works for brass band (three winners and three runners-up) from talented young composers aged 30 or under. The NYBBGB is delighted to announce this year’s three winning compositions are Variations on an Enclosure by Will Everitt (20), Betws-y-Coed by Nina Martin (20) and Nocturnal Dances by Samuel Thackray (21).

The NYBBGB received works from twenty-nine aspiring composers from all over the world. Earlier this year, The NYBBGB’s panel of esteemed judges, Maestro Martyn Brabbins, composer Gavin Higgins and The NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning Dr Robert Childs, shortlisted works from ten gifted young composers as their competition finalists.

Will Everitt’s winning composition Variations on an Enclosure is, as the name suggests, developed out of a single four-note cell. This cell was derived from Will’s explorations into the use of ‘enclosures’ in jazz melody and improvisation. Throughout the work, Will explores a wider palette of expression by balancing the lyricism that is so idiomatic to brass band writing with a more jazz-orientated harmonic language.

Watch a short video about Will’s winning composition here.

Nina Martin’s winning composition Betws-y-Coed is Nina’s first piece for brass band and was inspired by her first solo backpacking trip to Betws-y-Coed in Wales. Whilst exploring, she wrote musical ideas based on the bubbling of the river, the contour of the surrounding hills and the feeling of joy when immersed in the natural habitat. The theme of the work can be considered to represent both a tragic romance and a battle between the human race and the natural world.

Watch a short video about Nina’s winning composition here.

Samuel Thackray’s winning composition Noctural Dances started life as a collection of energetic yet slightly eerie dance-like ideas, representing a kaleidoscope of imagined scenes in a nocturnal cityscape. Will uses an unusual structure, with the most energetic writing gradually subsiding as the stillness of night slowly takes over.

Watch a short video about Samuel’s winning composition here.

Martyn Brabbins, Chair of The NYBBGB’s panel of judges and Summer 2025 Youth Band Guest Conductor said, “The young composers gave us real pleasure with their work – such a rich variety of styles, experience and intent. While the jury might have welcomed a few more radical approaches, there’s no doubt the future of brass band music is bright. Congratulations to all and bravo to the prize winners!”

The three competition winners will each receive a cash prize of £750 and a mentoring session with one of the competition judges. In addition, all three winning pieces will be performed on 9th August 2025 by The NYBBGB at their summer concert which takes place this year in the magnificent Amaryllis Fleming Hall of the Royal College of Music, London under the baton of Maestro Martyn Brabbins. Tickets for this concert are available now here.

The competition judging panel also recognises three compositions as runner-up winners in this year’s competition: Storms of Light by Camille Chiu (25), Echoes by Lennert Van Laenen (20) and Concert Prelude: Ikigai by Andy Wareham (30).

Finally, two young composer’s works are highly commended by the judges: High Street Life by George Swayne (18) and Marche Triomphale by Easher Austin (14). Each competition runner-up will receive a cash prize of £250 and the opportunity to receive feedback via a one-to-one coaching phone call with a member of the judging panel.

And as the youngest ever entrant of the Young Composers’ Competition, Easher’s work will also be performed by The NYBBGB Children’s Band on 1st August 2025 during the Band’s summer concert at Oundel School, Peterborough. Tickets for this concert are available now here.

The NYBBGB’s CEO Mark Bromley was delighted by the quality of compositions submitted to this year’s competition: “We were deeply impressed by the creativity and musical insight shown in all the entries to our Young Composers’ Competition. Warmest congratulations to Will, Nina and Samuel whose winning compositions demonstrated exceptional promise and individuality. Their work signals a bright and inspiring future for brass band music.”

You can find out more information about all ten competition finalists, including short videos of each finalist talking about their shortlisted composition here.

On 3rd April 2025, HRH King Charles III hosted a concert and reception at Windsor Castle to honour individuals and organisations dedicated to community music across the United Kingdom. Among the guests were John Gillam (Chairman), Mark Bromley (CEO) and Dr Robert Childs (Director of Artistic Planning) of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

The event celebrated the significant contributions of community music groups, highlighting their role in enriching local cultures and fostering musical talents.

The concert featured a diverse array of performances, showcasing the richness of community music in the UK. The Sing for Freedom Choir, composed of torture survivors, delivered a moving performance symbolising resilience and hope. Renowned saxophonist YolanDa Brown captivated the audience with three renditions on the theme of love. Additionally, students from the Royal College of Music demonstrated their exceptional talents, underscoring the importance of nurturing young musicians.

A notable highlight of the post-concert reception was a performance by the London Vegetable Orchestra, renowned for crafting instruments from fresh vegetables. In a light-hearted moment, King Charles attempted to play a carrot-shaped recorder, delivering a rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.

Reflecting on the occasion, Mark Bromley expressed his gratitude: “It was an honour to be recognised by His Majesty for our dedication to nurturing young musical talent. This acknowledgment inspires us to continue our mission with renewed passion”.

Photo credit: Ian Jones Photography

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is renowned for nurturing the careers of top brass band musicians. Our new Take a Seat scheme, launched today, offers the opportunity to support seats within the Youth Band and directly impact the future of classical music and the rich tradition of brass bands in the UK.

Founded on a legacy of excellence, The NYBBGB boasts an illustrious alumni roster that includes Maurice Murphy, Ian Bousfield and David Childs among others, who have significantly influenced the world of brass music. The Band continues to uphold this tradition by fostering young talent like Jordan Ashman, Lewis Barton and Phoebe Mallinson, who are already showing great potential.

As a registered charity, The NYBBGB relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters to maintain and enhance the opportunities it offers to talented young musicians. Take a Seat directly supports the young musicians of The NYBBGB by funding bursaries, tuition, guest conductors and soloists, new commissions and opportunities for artistic development.

Take a Seat allows individuals, families, charitable trusts and businesses to support seats in the Band at different levels, starting at £500 for 2nd and 3rd Desk Players up to £3,000 for the prestigious Principal Cornet seat. The generosity of donors will be recognised throughout the year in concert programmes and on The NYBBGB website. Donors will receive information about the young musicians’ experiences at The NYBBGB and will be invited to see them rehearse and perform.

Mark Bromley, Chief Executive Officer at The NYBBGB, expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme: “Take a Seat not only supports the artistic development of our young musicians but also offers donors a meaningful connection to our band and its future stars. Every contribution enables us to provide bursaries, tuition, and other vital resources that shape the next generation of brass and percussion musicians.”

If you would like to find out more or participate in The NYBBGB Take a Seat scheme, please click here.

The deadline to support the Band in 2025 via the Take A Seat scheme is 20th March 2025.

To find out more about all ways that you can support The NYBBGB, please visit our Support section.

Our 2nd Young Composers’ Competition closed at the end of December and we were delighted that 29 aspiring composers submitted works to this year’s competition. Our panel of esteemed judges, Maestro Martyn Brabbins, composer Gavin Higgins and The NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning Dr Robert Childs were blown away by the quality and standard of entries received. We would like to thank everybody who entered the competition.

Our judging panel are delighted to announce their 10 shortlisted competition finalists! You can find out more about each finalist and their composition on our competition page here.

Competition winners will be announced later in the spring. The winning pieces will be performed at the NYBBGB Youth Band summer concert in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall of the Royal College of Music, London under the baton of Maestro Martyn Brabbins on 9th August 2025. Tickets for this concert are available here.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of brass music and nurturing the next generation of young musicians?

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (and the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain) is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Director of Artistic Planning. With the current post holder retiring in early 2027, this is a unique opportunity to lead the artistic strategy of the UK’s premier youth brass ensembles.

This remunerated, self-employed role requires 30-35 hours per month and involves:

• Artistic leadership – shaping the band’s vision and programming
• Collaboration – working with world-class conductors, soloists, composers and tutors
• Strategic planning – developing national and international opportunities
• Commitment to excellence – championing diversity, inclusivity and innovation in brass music

If you have a deep understanding of brass music, strong leadership skills, and a passion for inspiring young musicians, we’d love to hear from you!

For more details or to express interest, please visit our Job Vacancies page.

Help us shape the future of youth brass music!

Administrative Assistant

We are looking for a talented individual to join our team who is passionate about music and wants to give some of the brightest young brass and percussion musicians in the UK the opportunity to develop their musicianship, play together and inspire others.

As our Administrative Assistant, you will support our CEO and Operations Manager to ensure the NYBBGB residential courses and concerts run smoothly. You will also help the Audience Development Manager to promote the Band’s work and fundraising.

We would love to hear from you if…

• you want gain work experience whilst making a real difference to young people
• you work effectively within a team and enjoy collaborating with others
• you can work independently to complete tasks on time to the standard expected
• you have good written and verbal communication skills and are proficient with key social media platforms

To find out more and apply, please visit our Job Vacancies page.

It is with great sadness that the NYBBGB trustees and staff heard of the passing of Elgar Howarth yesterday, one of the most significant figures to be associated with the 20th century brass band movement. Elgar died on 13th January 2025 aged 89.

Born in 1935, he became a hugely influential figure in British classical music, as a player, a composer and a conductor. He held various prestigious positions and tenures, with his work in contemporary opera in particular earning critical acclaim.

A member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, he later went on to enjoy a celebrated association with Grimethorpe Colliery Band. His influence on the wider brass band movement was profound, with his pivotal compositions for the contest and concert stage reaching out in exciting new directions.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was honoured when Elgar Howarth assumed the position of Artistic Director during the Band’s 50th anniversary year in 2002. During his tenure, he championed the formation of the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain in 2004, one of the most significant developments in the entire history of the NYBBGB. Elgar became the NYBBGB’s third President in 2006 until his retirement in 2020.

Elgar will be sadly missed. The trustees and staff at the NYBBGB send our deepest condolences to Elgar’s family and friends.

We are delighted that The Guardian’s Fiona Maddocks has selected our performance of Gavin Higgins’ Concerto Grosso with our friends at The National Youth Orchestra to be one of her top 10 best concerts and operas of 2024!

Back in April, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was in concert with the National Youth Orchestra under the direction of Jessica Cottis. As part of a Festival of Youth, jointly promoted by the two organisations, we joined on stage to perform Higgin’s Concerto Grosso for brass band and orchestra under the direction of Guest Conductor Tess Jackson.

Higgins’ Concerto Gross is a large-scale piece in five movements that explores brass band history and style, mixing social history with music and politics. Listen to an excerpt here.

Read Fiona Maddocks’ full article in The Guardian here.