The emotive repertoire of the Salvation Army provided the basis for the theme of ‘Hope, Joy and Love’ that underpinned this fine Easter Course concert.

It continued the ethos of inclusivity that drives the NYBBGB organisation’s communal outlook, and which saw the 84 players deliver mature performances of classic works from Eric Ball and Dean Goffin to the more contemporary sounds of Andrew Wainwright and Dorothy Gates.

This was no musical sermon however; Dr Stephen Cobb introducing each item with a concise template explanation, leaving any spiritual questioning to the listener themselves.

Nobody left feeling anything other than blessed though after hearing Philip Cobb perform.

His elegant artistry on Leidzen’s ‘Songs in the Heart’  and ‘A Lyric of Hope’  by Andrew Blyth was balanced by the nonchalant fission of ‘Virtuosity’  and the generosity of ‘Quicksilver’  spirit in the encore duet with Cory’s Tom Hutchinson.

Nobody left feeling anything other than blessed though after hearing Philip Cobb perform.

Bristling energy

The bristling energy of Paul Sharman’s ‘Fuego’  opened the concert, boosted by the excellent percussion section, followed by the imperial tread of Dean Goffin’s ‘The Crusaders March’,  infused it seemed by both Edward Elgar and Eric Coates at the same time.

The coincidence of both Andrew Wainwright and Dorothy Gates using iconic Welsh hymn tunes as the thematic basis for their works was ‘bread from heaven’ for the Celtic diaspora who sat in a very well filled Stoller Hall.

Their differing compositional styles in ‘Horizon’  and ‘Invisible Fire’  respectively made for engaging development of the source material – the former inspired by the Biblical tale of the Exodus from Egypt, the latter, a more existential appreciation of the gift of the freedom of thought.  The MD’s subtle inferences and shaping brought performances of notable assuredness from soloists and ensemble alike.

The coincidence of both Andrew Wainwright and Dorothy Gates using iconic Welsh hymn tunes as the thematic basis for their works was ‘bread from heaven’ for the Celtic diaspora who sat in a very well filled Stoller Hall.

Germinating detail

Eric Ball’s musical ‘prayer’ to find the faith to overcome Nazi tyranny is as relevant today as it was in 1939. Although written sometime after Neville Chamberlain’s infamous appeasement, with the seeds of later works such as ‘Journey into Freedom’  and ‘High Peak’  germinating in the detail, his ‘Song of Courage’  retains a powerful protestation.

Questions about the courage shown by Shostakovich during Stalin’s dictatorship also remain; his energetic ‘Folk Festival’  from ‘The Gadfly’  a bit of 1950s Soviet idyll propaganda, whilst the slick commercialism of Karl Jenkins’ ‘Suite from Stabat Mater’  still retains its persuasiveness too.

Kenneth Downie’s tender ‘Sunset over the River Exe’,  and Peter Graham’s spirited ‘Renaissance’  were delivered with controlled musicality, whilst Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Praise’,  with its ‘Cor Blimey’ motif as if the composer had bumped into a cockney Pearly King rounded the evening off with just the right pinch of quirky joyfulness.

Iwan Fox

Whilst the final six of the NYBBGB Young Composers Competition were all extremely talented, the overall winner has been announced as 26 year old composer Daniel Hall, with his piece ‘Dieu Et Mon Droit’. On hearing he was the overall winner of the competition Daniel said: “I’m incredibly grateful that my piece has been selected as the overall winner for the NYBBGB Composition Competition.

“Having my music performed by a world class ensemble and conductor in Sarah Ioannides truly is an honour and I’m very much looking forward to hearing the band’s summer concert!”

Summer 2023 Youth Band Guest Conductor Sarah Ioannides and Chair of the panel of judges (which comprised herself, Dr Robert Childs and composer Dorothy Gates) said “The level of applications for the competition was incredibly high and was a wonderful array of individual voices which speaks to the great diversity of young talent coming through as composers.

“We had a unanimous winner in Daniel whose work ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’, tributing the late Queen Elizabeth II, is most fitting for the times! Mark Bromley so well put it  “a much loved convenor of billions of people and cultures from across the globe and creator of the modern Commonwealth.” It is a very compelling and exciting piece and I am looking forward to conducting it with the young musicians from NYBBGB. It’s clear that Daniel is already an accomplished composer of professional standing and will have a great future as a composer.”

Dr Robert Childs added “Choosing an overall winner from the final six was not an easy task, but with six such talented young composers it really was an enjoyable challenge, and a great sign for the future of brass band composition. Daniel’s composition really balanced musical flair with broad brass band appeal and a poignant theme. I think the Youth Band will really rise to the challenge of performing it at the Summer Concert this year.”

Daniel will receive a £1,000 prize, together with an offer from Prima Vista Musikk to publish his work, alongside having ‘Dieu Et Mon Droit’ performed by the NYBBGB Youth Band at their Summer concert.

NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley was also pleased to announce 19 year Lennert Van Laenen from Belgium as the runner up in the composition competition, winning £250 and the opportunity to have his piece performed by the Children’s Band in their Summer concert at St Andrews Church, Norwich, conducted by Mareika Gray. On hearing the news, Lennert said “Wow, that’s great news, I did not expect it! Hearing a piece being played for the first time is the most beautiful part of composing.”

The judges also highly commended the pieces submitted by Jack Yagerline and Charlotte McGregor Graham.

After much deliberation, the final six of our Composition Competition have been chosen by Dr. Robert Childs, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning.

Commenting on the final six, Dr Robert Childs said “The response to the composition competition was phenomenal, so choosing a final six was a real challenge, but the young people who have made it this far all showed a good understanding of balancing the technical challenge needed for the Youth band, alongside a commercial sound that will have broad appeal. Their entries are all  original and reflective of their own styles, which was great to hear, and I‘m really looking forward to discussing their pieces with my fellow judges in the coming weeks.”

Charlotte McGregor Graham, 24 years old, UK

Charlotte has studied brass and composition under Lucy Pankhurst since the age of 9. In 2018 she began studying the euphonium at Salford University. She studied composition under Tom Davoren in her first year and entered the Kirklees Composition Competition, receiving a highly commended award for her composition. In 2020 she decided to transfer to Wales to focus on composition, studying with John Hardy. Charlotte has composed many pieces but most notedly a euphonium solo with electronic accompaniment performed by Gary Curtin, and a march for The Band of the Welsh Guards.

Daniel Hall, 26 years old, UK

Daniel graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama with First Class Honours in Contemporary Composition. Whilst studying, Daniel wrote “Smoke Sketches” and “Sanctuary!”, the set test for the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain and European Youth Brass Band Championships respectively. In 2019, Daniel won the seventh European Composers Competition in Montreux, Switzerland, for his brass band composition “A Dialogue of Transmogrified Souls”.

Jack Yagerline, 22 years old, USA

Jack Yagerline is an American composer whose music spans a wide variety of styles. He earned his BMus in Composition from James Madison University, studying with Eric Guinivan and Jason Haney and is currently pursuing his MMus from University of North Carolina Green studying with Mark Engebretson and Alejandro Rutty.

Jack has collaborated with numerous ensembles, most recently with the James Madison University Percussion Ensemble and the Invicta Saxophone Quartet, and the James Madison University Wind Symphony. Jack was the winner of the James Madison University Wind Ensemble Competition for his piece ‘Distant Mountains’.

Kang Ning Lim, 28 years old, Singapore

Kang Ning Lim is a Singaporean composer and graduated from King’s College London with a first-class honour’s degree and a merit in her Masters. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in composition at the University of Bristol with professor John Pickard. In August 2022, classical guitarist Kevin Loh gave the world premiere of Serenata del Caffè at Kris Foundation’s concert in Singapore. Her composition, Hues, received its world premiere by the Bristol Ensemble in June 2022. Some of her chamber pieces have also been performed by the Lontano Ensemble in London conducted by Odaline de la Martinez.

Lennert Van Laenen, 19 years old, Belgium

Lennert Van Laenen has had a passion for brass bands for many years. He began percussion lessons at the age of six with Walter van de Venne and then further studies on the marimba with Chin Cheng Lin. He joined the World Champions Brassband Willebroek on percussion four years ago and this is where he nurtured his love of composition. Lennert has already won several composition competitions writing solos and brass band works, most notedly ‘Mita’. He readily admits that he is still learning in terms of composition but has great ambition to improve and develop all aspects of his craft.

Mandy Leung, 28 years old, Hong Kong

Mandy Leung is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, arranger and composer from Hong Kong. She has recently been supported by the PRS WMM fund and Sound and Music’s COVID-19 Composer Award, and her piece ‘Funeral March’ has been broadcast on Radio 3 by BBC NOW as part of Composition: Wales 2021. Her latest commissions include ‘Nostos’ from Opera North, ‘Mae Yna Obaith’ from National Eisteddfod and Ty Cerdd, and ‘Sky Lanterns’ from HK Arts Development Council.

The next stage for the six finalists will be to have their entries go forward to the judges panel. Joining Dr. Childs on the panel will be Maestro Sarah Ioannides, the Youth Band’s Guest Conductor for Summer 2023, as well as composer Dorothy Gates.

The overall winner of the competition will receive a £1,000 prize, together with an offer from Prima Vista Musikk to publish their work, and will also have their piece performed by the NYBBGB Youth Band under the baton of Sarah Ionnades at their Summer concert. The runner up in the competition will receive £250 and, if it is suitable, will have their piece performed by the Children’s Band in the Summer.

Of the response to the competition in general, NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley said “We received more entries than I dared imagine and from a globally diverse range of young composers. The final six Bob has chosen are all really high quality, so to narrow it down to two is going to be a hard choice for the judges. I’m certain the NYBBGB will maintain a relationship with each of these young composers as they develop their careers.”

The entry date closed at midnight on the 31st December 2022, with 28 entries looking to claim the first prize of £1,000. NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning Dr. Robert Childs will now assess the entries and select six to go into the final to be judged by Sarah Ioannides (Guest Conductor of the 2023 NYBBGB Summer Course), composer Dorothy Gates (who has been commissioned to write a work for the Youth Band in 2023) and Dr. Childs himself.

Impressed

Mark Bromley said “It’s been thrilling to receive works from all corners of the globe and to find that the standard has been so high. The commitment to being inventive, inclusive and diverse was a key element of the entry process and this has really been shown. Bob Childs has got an unenviable, but hugely enjoyable task of pick just six finalists.”

“A supply of good new music is critical to any ensemble so supporting contemporary composers, particularly young composers, is very important to us. I thank all the entrants and wish them the very best of luck.”

The final six will be announced by the end of January and the winner and runner up by the end of February.

Performances

The winner will receive a prize of £1,000 and the offer of a publishing contract from Prima Vista Music, with the work performed by the National Youth Band of Great Britain Youth Band at Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden on 5th August under the baton guest conductor Sarah Ioannides.

The runner up will receive a prize of £250 with the potential for it being performed by The Childrens’ Band as part of their Summer Course concert in Norwich on 28th July under the baton of Marieka Gray.

The programme of resources takes players from Grade 4 to 8+, focusing on the six pillars of brass playing (Breathing, Lip strength, Sound, Rhythm, Technique and Musicality) and what they need to aspire to at each level of their development to become a better player.

Dr Robert Childs, Director of Artistic Planning at The NYBBGB, is hopeful the free resources will broaden access to brass teaching for all young people, he said: “Over the past twenty years or so, there has been a steady decline in brass teaching in education and there are a substantial number of young people who can’t afford private tuition. Brass Building Blocks provides help and advice in fundamental areas that lead to progression on several different levels. Hopefully this free resource will assist and support teaching and learning a brass instrument”.

Mark Bromley, NYBBGB CEO would like to see the programme encourage a steady increase in brass playing: “The National Youth Band of Great Britain believes all children and young people should have access to the best players in the country to help them improve their playing skills. With these Brass Building Blocks resources, produced in partnership with the Royal Marines Band Service, we hope to increase this access, helping young players to better understand the skills needed to improve.

We offer free auditions to any child or young person who is interested in joining the NYBBGB, and hope that this initiative, together with others such as Brass Band England’s Brass Foundation programme, will see that number steadily increasing year by year as well as encouraging an overall uplift in young people’s interest in playing brass instruments.”

On their involvement with this new initiative with The NYBBGB, Sam Hairsine from the RMBS said: “The Royal Marines Band Service is delighted to have been part of the Brass Building Blocks project. It’s a wonderful initiative to educate and inspire young musicians, and another brilliant outcome from our partnership with the NYBBGB. The RMBS is a national asset, so to contribute to an online resource for anyone to use with this other great national organisation is fantastic.”

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain’s ambassador ensemble provided part of the entertainment for the prestigious Gramophone 2022 Classical Music Awards.

Held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 4 October, the prestigious awards are regarded as the industry ‘Oscars’ and are supported by a raft of high-profile sponsors.

Honoured

Speaking about the latest recognition, Mark Bromley, CEO of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain said: “We were honoured to be invited by the Gramophone Classical Music Award organisers to open the ceremony.

We did it in some style too with a special arrangement by Dr Robert Childs, who conducted the 11 piece ensemble of current and recent alumni, of James Curnow’s rousing ‘Fanfare and Flourishes’.

It was a remarkable evening to be involved in, and the interest that the ensemble created with the invited world class artists and leading industry figures showed just how impressed people were.”

Shoulder to shoulder

Mark Bromley added: “We were one of a handful of artists who performed through the evening including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Artist of the Year soprano Barbara Hannigan, pianist Betrand Chamayou and Young Artist of the Year violinist Johan Dalene.

To perform shoulder to shoulder in that company made for a memorable experience for our performers. We are deeply honoured to have been invited.”

The Blue Riband presentations saw the great pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim accept the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ accolade, whilst Canadian conductor Barbara Hannigan was declared ‘Artist of the Year’ and the Budapest Festival Orchestra taking the ‘Orchestra of the Year’ prize.

The ‘Recording of the Year’ prize went to Korngold’s ‘Die Tote Stadt’, whilst the Chandos Recording label, founded by Brian Couzens in 1979, and which has supported several brass band recordings over the years secured the ‘Label of the Year’ accolade.

The Spatial Audio award was also claimed by the Chandos label for its CD production of Ravel: Orchestral Works conducted by John Wilson with the Sinfonia of London.

The success of the recent National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain’s summer course concert at the Royal College of Music brought further critical acclaim for an organisation that has undergone a radical overhaul of its aims and objectives since CEO Mark Bromley took the helm.

Considered delight

His delight is therefore obvious, but his responses to questions about the organisation’s rejuvenation remain considered and thoughtful.

“The extensive television coverage of the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend included footage filmed in the monochrome world of post-war Britain,” he said when asked to reflect on the 70th anniversary event.

“Old ways of doing things, however jaded and narrow, were deeply ingrained then, yet they were offset by the optimism of the new Elizabethan age and its egalitarian spirit of growth and renewal.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was a product of that spirit, and I think should remain distilled by it today. That’s why I was so pleased by the response that the course, and especially the concert gained.”

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was a product of that spirit, and I think should remain distilled by it today. That’s why I was so pleased by the response that the course, and especially the concert gained.

Nurture

He continued: “While the performance conducted by Martyn Brabbins was perhaps guaranteed to delight, it also stood as a symbol of what happens when young people from range of backgrounds are given opportunities – and permission – to make music together at the highest level.

And that is something we intend to nurture long after this anniversary year.”

The new ethos is about freshness and innovation in every aspect

Extensive CV

Mark Bromley speaks from an extensive CV of arts experience.

Chair of the Board of Directors of St Martin in the Fields Ltd, the 18th century church in the heart of London that has combined its traditional religious purpose with an innovative arts ethos, he also has links to Museum of Music History, the Edition Peters Group as well as the commercial world.

His passion for music making is therefore tempered by the realism of the needs of an arts sector that must remain relevant and progressive – as well as being commercially savvy.

“The 70th birthday concert marked the opening of a new chapter, as well as a major milestone in our rich history. It also signalled our determination to train the spotlight on some of this country’s brightest musical talents and to broaden its musical outlook.”

The 70th birthday concert marked the opening of a new chapter, as well as a major milestone in our rich history. It also signalled our determination to train the spotlight on some of this country’s brightest musical talents and to broaden its musical outlook

Heritage

He added: “We paid homage to our brass band heritage, but also looked outwards – giving a world premiere of a major new work and thanks to Martyn Brabbins, being able to connect with the wonderful Nardus Williams (below), a true rising star of Britain’s opera and concert scene for a performance Canteloube’s ‘Songs of the Auvergne’,  which was simply beautiful.”

That he believes is a continuation of the outward looking ambition that in recent years under Bramwell Tovey’s leadership saw them give the world premiere of James MacMillan’s oratorio ‘All the Hills and Vales Along’,  performed alongside the London Symphony Chorus and members of the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Centre.

A broader outlook has come with the link to performers from other genres

Ecosystem

He continued with the theme. “The NYBBGB plays a key role in preserving the UK’s vibrant banding ecosystem.

Community brass bands suffered from the decline of heavy industry during the 1980s and 1990s, and although many have continued to prosper, opportunities for young players through cuts in musical education and peripatetic services have been acutely felt.”

That’s where the NYBBGB fits into things – helping maintain and promote a vibrant future for these invaluable musical assets

He adds: “That’s where the NYBBGB fits into things – helping maintain and promote a vibrant future for these invaluable musical assets; ones which are such an important element of British civic society – genuine community groups that bring joy to their audiences and life-affirming opportunities for people to make music together.

Our residential courses provide inspirational coaching and performing experiences to young players who take that energy back to their bands around the country.”

All together and full of cooperation…

Cooperation

The NYBBGB sits at the top of a pyramid (complimented by the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) of county youth brass bands and those from the voluntary sector, local music services and schools – and it is a link that Mark Bromley believes must be strengthened by cooperation.

“We depend on that structure to provide new members; if one or more of the parts become weak, it will inevitably affect our recruitment.”

The next generation of stars…

Outlook

It is also an outlook which he hopes can help community bands too.

“In this age of sustained pressure on state school music teaching, brass bands offer an alternative route into music-making for children whose parents cannot afford to pay for private tuition.

That’s why the NYBBGB is exploring ways to help children learn a brass instrument. We’ve already despatched small ensembles from our Youth Band to schools to inspire the next generation of players

Most bands lend instruments and provide lessons to new recruits without charge. But they have seen a decline in the number of young people coming forward over the past decade, thanks not least to the loss of 1,000 music teachers during that time and the suspension of around a third of face-to-face instrumental tuition since the pandemic began.

That’s why the NYBBGB is exploring ways to help children learn a brass instrument. We’ve already despatched small ensembles from our Youth Band to schools to inspire the next generation of players.”

Building Blocks

He continued: “We’re also launching our Brass Building Blocks scheme, in collaboration with the Band of the Royal Marines, which is aimed at improving young players’ existing skills and raising their technical standards and are looking to roll out a series of brass masterclasses for secondary school pupils.”

And the generation in waiting in the Children’s Band…

Broaden access

Beyond banging the drum for all brass bands, Mark Bromley is determined to broaden access to the organisation’s ensembles.

“The Children’s Band, open to players aged eight to 13, fielded an equal number of girls and boys for our summer course last month, while the Youth Band, comprising brass and percussion players aged 14 to 19 of at least Grade 8 level or equivalent, was close to achieving parity.”

Challenges

Challenges remain however, as he is keen to point out.

“Last year we commissioned the eminent educator Roy Terry to survey the socio-economic and demographic backgrounds of our members, which showed that while we’re doing well on equality and have made real progress on social inclusion, we have work to do to widen the ethnic diversity of our membership.

We also want to reach those parts of the country, from Cumbria to Suffolk, Herefordshire to Tyne and Wear, that have traditionally stood outside our main centres of recruitment in the Northwest, London and the East Midlands.”

A former player made great… Peter Moore

Inspiration

Inspiration though is not hard to find in the brass band world – with the NYBBGB having an enviable list of alumni – from the legendary Maurice Murphy to Isobel Daws, who recently gained a position in the Karajan Academy with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

“We have such a wonderful list,” Mark said.

All though still have a lifelong love of brass band music making and of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. And that is the greatest form of success we can ever hope for

“This week for instance Peter Moore, a former trombonist with the Childrens’ and Youth Bands will perform a Concerto at the Proms – so what better advert is there for what can be achieved.

However, we are equally delighted to find out that former players have gone onto become successes in a huge variety of different adult careers – from music teachers to scientists.

All though still have a lifelong love of brass band music making and of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. And that is the greatest form of success we can ever hope for.

That really is something to celebrate.”

Iwan Fox

“A supply of good new music is critical to any ensemble so supporting contemporary composers, particularly young composers, is very important to us. We are looking for a piece that is innovative, reflects our commitment to inclusivity, and has broad brass band appeal.” Mark Bromley, CEO of The NYBBGB

Director of Artistic Planning Dr Robert Childs added “This initiative is very exciting and I’m sure there will be lots of wonderful entries. My advice to composers is simple – work to the time limit and carefully read the guidance on our website. Good luck to all the entrants”.

Six works will be selected from the entities by Dr. Robert Childs, Director of Artistic Planning to go into the final round in January 2023. Joining Dr. Childs on the judging panel will be Maestro Sarah Ioannides, the Youth Band’s Guest Conductor for summer 2023, and composer Dorothy Gates.

The winner of the competition will receive a £1,000 prize for their work, with the piece being performed by The NYBBGB under the baton of Sarah Ionnades next summer, together with an offer from Prima Vista Musikk to also publish the work. The runner up will receive £250.

Criteria for entry is outlined in the rules on our website, but it’s essential that participants are aged 30 or under on 1st January 2023, that the five-minute piece reflects our commitment to inclusivity, has mass brass band appeal and is technically complex enough for the Youth Band (comprising the finest young brass and percussion players in the country) to
perform.

More information and how to enter the competition can be found on the home page of our website.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, the UK’s leading brass bands for children and young people which next year celebrates its 70th anniversary, is excited to announce the finalists who will take part in the Band’s inaugural conductors’ competition. The competition, supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation and created to provide an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to make an impact on today’s youth music scene has seen 28 fantastic entrants from international and diverse backgrounds. After careful consideration we are excited to announce the six finalists.

“The prospect of encountering a new generation of conductors is always exciting.  The NYBBGB Weston conducting competition has attracted a plethora of conducting talent, and I look forward to engaging with the six finalists in January. My aim is to create a collaborative and creative atmosphere in order that all involved have a positive musical experience.”

Martyn Brabbins, Competition Judge and 2022 Guest Conductor.

Anna Beresford‍

Anna Beresford is 24 years old and from the United Kingdom. She currently studies orchestral and choral conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music. Whilst at Manchester University Anna was choral and orchestral ensemble conductor in the University Music Society and winner of the Proctor-Gregg Prize for Conducting. She is Director of the Macclesfield Mydel Choir and of the Smithy Belles Choir in Hazel Grove, Stockport. Anna is also a freelance conductor for the Northern Film Orchestra, Abney Orchestra, Opera Viva, and more. As part of her course she regularly assists conductors at the BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestra.

Chris Binns‍

Chris Binns is 27 years old and from the United Kingdom. He studied trombone at the Royal Northern College of Music and regularly guests with the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and Opera North. Chris also completed trials with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Welsh National Opera. He is Principal Trombone with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Studying conducting in his fourth year at the Royal Northern College of Music, Chris has had the opportunity to conduct Flowers Band and Grimethorpe Colliery Band and is currently Musical Director of Hebden Bridge Band.

Leon Frantzen‍

Leon Frantzen is 23 years old and from the Netherlands. He currently studies conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music. Leon held the role of assistant conductor of the Youth Orchestra of The Netherlands, toured with the Maastricht Academic Chamber Orchestra and conducted in the final concert of the international conducting masterclass with the Banda Sinfonica Portuguesa. He has also been chief conductor of the Koninklijke Fanfare St. Dionysius Opoeteren and the Harmonie St. Antonius Lomm.

Derrick Morgan‍

Derrick Morgan is 27 years old and from the United Kingdom. A recent graduate of the Masters in Conducting programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he was recipient of the Hugh S Robertson prize for Orchestral Conducting. Derrick has conducted the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, toured the Marriage of Figaro with Blackbird Opera and given the fringe premiere of Tom Cunningham’s two mini operas with Edinburgh Studio Opera. He has conducted charity concerts with Ensemble Alba and organised a performance of Mendelssohn’s Second Symphony with the Edinburgh Practice Choir.

Enyi Okpara ‍

Enyi Okpara is 22 years old and British-Nigerian. A law graduate he currently studies conducting with Sian Edwards. Enyi has conducted the Bristol University Symphonia and the Bristol University Chamber Orchestra on their tour of Hungary. Founder of the North London Orchestra, he has also conducted Southsea Chamber Music Society’s resident orchestra. In 2021, Enyi was awarded a Young Conducting Scholarship with Sing for Pleasure, conducting workshops and masterclasses in London, Cambridge, and Manchester.

Lewis Wilkinson‍

Lewis Wilkinson is 26 years old and from the United Kingdom. He studied Brass Band conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and whilst studying was resident conductor of Filton Concert Brass, with which he won the Welsh Open, and music director of the Parc and Dare Band. Lewis gained a place in the semi-final of the 2020 European Conductor’s Competition in Palanga, Lithuania which unfortunately was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a busy guest conductor with bands at all levels, such as Elland Silver, Easington Colliery, Llwydcoed, NASUWT Riverside and Solna (Sweden). Lewis is currently Director of Music for Fishburn Band.

Culmination and final

The penultimate stage will see the six selected conductors work with a band made up of members of the NYBBGB, being assessed by Martyn Brabbins, Dr Robert Childs and Captain Sam Hairsine RM.  The repertoire will consist of three marches: Mephistopheles, Shipley Douglas; Knight Templar, ‍George Allan and The Cossack, ‍William Rimmer.  For the final stage of the competition, the judges will select three finalists to rehearse one of the following three concert works: Resurgam, Eric Ball; Music for a Festival, ‍Phillip Sparke and Shine as the Light, ‍Peter Graham.

Mark Bromley, CEO commented

“The response to our call for entries went beyond our expectations. I would like to thank everyone who made the effort to submit an entry. Whatever the outcome, the passion of each of our six finalists for brass banding is clear and that alone fills me with hope for the next generation of music leaders. If you are free please do come and support our finalists in January. It’s going to be so inspiring.”

A big thank you

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain would like to thank the Garfield Weston Foundation for their support and everyone who has taken part in the competition, and offer our congratulations to those who have been selected to take part in the final rounds.

Dr Robert Childs, Competition Judge and Director of Artistic Planning commented

‍
“The entrants’ video submissions were really good, I enjoyed watching them all. I was looking for good beat fluidity, musical phrasing and hand independence.

The six going through to the finals also demonstrated a solid understanding of the peculiarities of the brass band score, a good knowledge of the brass band movement and excitement at the prospect of working with the NYBBGB and Martyn Brabbins.”

Search for The NYBBGB (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education) on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagramor visit www.nybbgb.org.uk to keep up-to-date.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are delighted to announce that live audition dates are returning this autumn for those who would like the opportunity to join one of the bands for 2022.

The NYBBGB Children’s Band auditions are for young players of brass band instruments (including percussion ) aged from 8 – 13 of approximately grade 5 standard or higher. The Youth Band caters for older students, 12 years or above at audition, and the standard is approximately grade 8. Please note you do not need to have passed the grade exams to audition.

We are particularly keen to hear from bass trombone and bass players.

The venues and dates are:

‍Sunday 25th September – St Dennis, Cornwall
Saturday 9th October – Ratby, Leicestershire
Sunday 10th October – Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Saturday 16th October – Birmingham, West Midlands
Sunday 17th October – Hade Edge, Yorkshire
Saturday 23rd October – Salford, Greater Manchester
Sunday 24th October – Peterlee, County Durham

For more details see our Whats On page.

Each session will conclude with a workshop run by one of the NYBBGB tutors.

Last year all the NYBBGB auditions were held online and this remains an option for those for whom the dates and venues do not suit.

To apply for an audition please apply using our audition form.

Search for The NYBBGB (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education and partnered with the Royal Marines Band Service) on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram or visit www.nybbgb.org.uk to keep up-to-date.