The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain 2024 Audition Cycle
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has successfully completed its 2024 audition cycle, attracting over 100 talented children and young people from across the UK. Auditions were held between September and November at eight centres nationwide (plus online), showcasing the remarkable musical talent and dedication of the next generation of brass musicians.
Following a highly competitive selection process, 57 young musicians have been offered places in the band. These individuals represent the finest young brass and percussion talent in the country, continuing the NYBBGB’s legacy of nurturing excellence and promoting brass music.
In 2025, the NYBBGB will hold residential courses at Pangbourne College and Oundle School. These intensive courses will culminate in public concerts in Tidworth, (York to be confirmed), Oundle, Birmingham, and London, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the exceptional skill and artistry of the bands.
As part of its commitment to music education and community engagement, the NYBBGB will also embark, through its Ambassador Ensemble, on a special music education tour in Bradford, celebrating the city’s prestigious designation as the UK City of Culture in 2025. The tour will inspire and educate local schoolchildren and young players, focusing on inclusivity and the power of music to unite communities.
However, the NYBBGB must regretfully announce that due to the UK Government’s decision to apply VAT to private school hires, course fees will have to be raised significantly to cover this additional cost. Private schools have provided wonderful facilities to the NYBBGB for many decades, enabling the band to deliver transformative experiences for young musicians. This policy change has placed an unexpected financial burden on the organisation and the families it serves.
The NYBBGB remains committed to making its courses as accessible as possible and will continue to prioritise its bursary scheme to support young musicians from lower-income families. Despite these challenges, the band will maintain its high standards of excellence, inspiring the next generation of brass players and sharing the joy of brass music with audiences across the UK.
