The NYBBGB pays a musical homage to Geoffrey Brand

6th April 2024 sees a special performance for The NYBBGB, as the Youth Band perform at Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Cardiff, in tribute to their former Music Advisor and Conductor Mr. Geoffrey Brand.

Geoffrey sadly passed away on 5th February 2023, so the evening of 6th April will see The NYBBGB celebrate his life and musical contribution to their organisation, as well as the wider brass band community. With Dr Robert Childs as conductor for the evening, and Dr David Childs as the guest soloist, the programme features music connected to Geoffrey Brand either through his arrangement or significant moments with The NYBBGB.

Of the evening Mark Bromley, CEO, said  “Throughout his life Geoffrey Brand was a huge supporter of the NYBBGB and always enjoyed hearing about our latest activities, so it is a great honour to pay tribute to him and his achievements through this concert”.

Geoffrey Brand served as Music Adviser at THE NYBBGB from 1967-1975 and for many years continued an active Vice President and Trustee. His wife, Violet, served as a Member of the Pastoral team and they both looked forward greatly to the courses, watching and listening to young brass players. They realised that whilst the courses were primarily about music it was also an important time for young people to develop as adolescents.

On the occasion of The NYBBGB’s 40th birthday in 1992 Geoffrey wrote : “I still ‘hear’ performances and ‘see’ eager young faces producing them. A special joy is meeting former students who are now contributing to the brass band scene, as players, conductors, administrators- or as parents of future members”.

He followed The NYBBG’s activities closely for the rest of his life – hearing and seeing those young faces of grow up, and following their careers – and he and Violet enjoyed sharing their fond memories of The NYBBGB courses.

For more information and tickets for the evening, please go to What’s On.