Help us support the next generation through our 2027 Bursary Fund
As auditions begin for our 2027 Children’s Band and Youth Band, we’re asking for your help to ensure that financial circumstances do not stand between talent and opportunity.
We’re aiming to raise £18,000 for The NYBBGB’s 2027 Bursary Fund, enabling us to provide at least 25 means-tested bursaries and six leadership awards next year.
With auditions for our 2027 Bands beginning in Northampton on Sunday 4 October, talented young brass and percussion musicians from across the UK are currently putting themselves forward for the opportunity to become part of The NYBBGB.
Those who earn a place can look forward to outstanding musical experiences: residential courses, specialist tuition, challenging repertoire, major performances and opportunities to work with world-class conductors, tutors and guest artists.
But providing these opportunities comes at a significant cost – and for some families, even the subsidised course fees can present a financial barrier.
Every place is already subsidised
We’re committed to making The NYBBGB as accessible as possible and already subsidise the cost of every young musician’s place by around 50% before any additional bursary support is awarded.
In 2025, the actual participation cost for a Youth Band member attending two residential courses was £3,208, while parents and carers were asked to contribute £1,600 towards the two courses.
For a Children’s Band member attending one residential course, the participation cost was £1,426, with a parental contribution of £645.
These costs provide our young musicians with intensive residential musical experiences, including specialist tuition and the opportunity to work with leading conductors, tutors and guest artists alongside other talented brass and percussion musicians from across the UK.
For families who need further financial support, our Bursary Fund provides means-tested assistance towards course fees, helping ensure that young musicians who have earned a place in one of our Bands are able to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.
£19,505 of support in 2026
The impact of your support can already be seen in what we were able to provide this year. In 2026, we awarded 22 bursaries and seven leadership awards, totalling £19,505 – all made possible through donations.
Leadership awards support our Children’s Band mentors, giving young musicians the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills while helping and encouraging younger members during their time with the Band.
Louise Shaw, Fundraising Manager at The NYBBGB, said: “We are pleased to report that in 2026 we awarded 22 bursaries and seven leadership awards, totalling £19,505 – all of which was raised from donations. We are very grateful to all our donors for their support in ensuring no talented child misses out on a place in one of our Bands due to financial worries. As auditions begin for our 2027 Bands, we hope our supporters will once again help us provide this vital financial support. Every donation to the Bursary Fund helps us make sure that talented young musicians can benefit from everything The NYBBGB has to offer, whatever their family’s financial circumstances.”
Supporting our 2027 Bands
Our 2027 Bursary Fund takes on particular significance as The NYBBGB prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Since our first course in 1952, generations of talented young brass and percussion musicians have had the opportunity to develop their musicianship, challenge themselves, perform together and realise their potential through The NYBBGB.
As we recruit the young musicians who will form our Bands during this landmark anniversary year, we want to make sure that the same opportunities remain accessible to the next generation.
Our goal is to raise £18,000 to provide at least 25 bursaries and six leadership awards during 2027.
Every donation, whatever its size, can help us move closer to that target.
Can you help?
Donate to our 2027 Bursary Fund through JustGiving by clicking here.
To find out more about The NYBBGB Bursary Fund, click here.
If you would prefer to speak to someone about supporting the Bursary Fund, or have any questions about making a donation, our Fundraising Manager Louise Shaw would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact Louise via email at [email protected] or by phone on 07908 324459.
