The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Announces Key Appointments
Philip Harper to succeed Dr Robert Childs as Director of Artistic Planning on his retirement from the organisation at Easter 2027 and Martyn Brabbins named as new President of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is proud to announce two major appointments that will shape the future of the organisation. Philip Harper will succeed Dr Robert Childs as Director of Artistic Planning. In a further landmark development, internationally renowned conductor Martyn Brabbins has accepted the invitation to become President of The NYBBGB, following the passing of the late Elgar Howarth.
Philip Harper Appointed as Next Director of Artistic Planning
The NYBBGB is delighted to confirm that Philip Harper will formally take up the role of Director of Artistic Planning from Easter 2027, bringing with him an exceptional breadth of experience and a deep, personal connection to the organisation.
Harper is internationally recognised as one of the most successful and forward-thinking conductors in the brass band world. As Musical Director of the Cory Band since 2012, he has led the ensemble to unprecedented success — winning all major titles multiple times, including the European Championships, British Open, National Finals and Brass in Concert. Under his leadership, the Cory Band became the first in history to achieve the coveted “Grand Slam” of all four titles in a single calendar year — an achievement he has now led twice, in 2016 and 2019.
Beyond competition success, Harper is renowned for his creative programming, musical storytelling and innovative artistic projects, which have redefined the possibilities of brass band performance and broadened its audience appeal. He has worked with numerous high-profile ensembles across Europe and beyond, including guest appearances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Brass, the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain, Wales, Switzerland and The Netherlands, and Norway’s Manger Musikklag.
He is also a prolific composer and arranger, with a vast catalogue of music performed worldwide. His 2016 work A Shakespearean Triptych, premiered at the Royal Albert Hall during the Schools Prom, showcased his ability to compose on a large scale for massed forces and youth ensembles alike.
Harper’s connection to The NYBBGB runs deep. He was a former Principal Tenor Horn in the Youth Band and reached the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year (Brass) in 1991. He credits The NYBBGB as a formative influence on his early musical development — a connection that makes this appointment particularly meaningful. Philip Harper said: “The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was hugely formative in my early musical journey, and it’s a genuine honour to return in this new role from Easter 2027. I have tremendous admiration for the work The NYBBGB does in nurturing young talent and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
The NYBBGB looks forward to welcoming Philip Harper into this important leadership role, building on the organisation’s strong foundation and artistic ambition. He will start programming the 2027 summer courses next year,
A Tribute to Dr Robert Childs
The NYBBGB takes this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr Robert Childs, who will retire as the organisation’s Director of Artistic Planning at Easter 2027.
Dr Childs who was Chair at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and led the organisation through an exceptionally difficult period by pioneering hybrid and blended course models. His leadership ensured continuity for many young musicians when so many other musical opportunities were halted. A former NYBBGB member himself, Dr Childs has also contributed to the Band as both a tutor and a trustee.
Later appointed as The NYBBGB’s first Director of Artistic Planning, he has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s current artistic profile — broadening its musical scope and championing inclusivity, innovation and musical excellence.
John Gillam, Chair of The NYBBGB, said: “We are immensely grateful to Bob for his dedication to the organisation over five decades. He has not only guided us artistically through one of the most challenging periods in our history but has also played a key role in defining who we are today. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him until his retirement.”
Martyn Brabbins Named President of The NYBBGB
In another exciting development, The NYBBGB is honoured to announce that Martyn Brabbins has accepted the role of President of the organisation, with immediate effect.
Brabbins is one of the UK’s most respected and accomplished conductors. His prestigious career includes roles as Chief Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra of India, and Music Director of English National Opera (2016–2023). Though best known for his work across opera and symphonic repertoire, his musical roots are firmly planted in brass banding.
Martyn Brabbins said: “I’m thrilled to become President of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Succeeding Elgar Howarth in this role is a wonderful privilege. My own musical roots are in brass bands, and this appointment feels like coming full circle. The NYBBGB is an institution that is absolutely fundamental. I’m excited to actively support the next generation of young musicians and to help build creative new partnerships across the musical landscape.”
Brabbins will take on an active and outward-facing role, using his international profile to advocate for the organisation and help build meaningful artistic collaborations.
Mark Bromley, CEO of The NYBBGB, added: “We’re entering another exciting new phase for The NYBBGB. Working with Bob over the past five years has been a real inspiration for me, and I’m equally excited to carry that forward with Philip and Martyn. Together we all share a passion for inspiring and developing young musicians. The Band is in a very strong place for the future.”
