The NYBBGB inspires 66 young musicians through national ‘Ready To Shine’ audition skills workshop tour

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has successfully completed its 2026 ‘Ready To Shine’ audition skills workshop tour, working with 66 young brass and percussion musicians during three free workshops held in London, Manchester and Birmingham during the May half-term holidays.

Designed for musicians aged 8 to 18, the workshops gave participants the opportunity to develop audition confidence, improve performance skills and gain valuable musical experience in a supportive and inspiring environment. The workshops took place in three prestigious venues across the country: St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester and the University of Birmingham.

Led by Dr Robert Childs, the NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning, alongside a team of highly experienced tutors, the workshops included audition preparation, scales and sight-reading sessions, ensemble playing, performance coaching and Q&A opportunities with NYBBGB staff and members.

The expert tutor team included Siobhan Edwards (Solo Horn, Black Dyke Band), Michael Dodd (former Principal Euphonium, Grimethorpe Colliery Band) and Sam Milton (Principal Percussion, Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band).

At the end of each workshop, participants performed to an audience of family and friends, showcasing the musical skills, confidence and ensemble work they had developed throughout the day. The final workshop at the University of Birmingham concluded with a performance in the university’s prestigious Elgar Concert Hall.

Feedback from participants and families across all three workshops was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of the young musicians reporting increased musical confidence, improved audition skills and a greater understanding of what it is like to be part of The NYBBGB. Participants particularly praised the welcoming atmosphere, supportive tutors and opportunities to perform and play as an ensemble.

Participants described the workshops as “fun”, “brilliant” and “AMAZING”, while one attendee commented: “It was so cool to play in a band and get a taste of what NYBBGB is like”. Another participant simply wrote: “Do it all over the world!”.

The workshops provided practical support for young musicians preparing for auditions and music examinations, with scales work, performance skills and specialist brass techniques among the most highly praised aspects of the programme.

Dr Robert Childs said: “It has been a genuine privilege to work with so many talented young musicians this week. The enthusiasm, commitment and positivity shown by every participant has been outstanding. These workshops are about far more than auditions — they are about helping young people grow in confidence, enjoy making music together and realise their musical potential.”

Mark Bromley, CEO of The NYBBGB, added: “The success of this year’s ‘Ready To Shine’ workshops demonstrates the important role The NYBBGB plays as one of the UK’s leading youth music charities. We are passionate about creating accessible, high-quality opportunities for young brass and percussion players, regardless of background or experience. Seeing 66 young musicians engage so enthusiastically across the three workshops has been incredibly encouraging.”

The ‘Ready To Shine’ workshops form part of NYBBGB’s wider commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of brass and percussion musicians across the UK.