The NYBBGB launches its latest search for new talent with their Conducting Competition

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, has just announced their second Conducting Competition. Supported by a donation from the Garrick Charitable Trust given in memory of Prince Philip, the winner will be offered a unique opportunity to work as Assistant Conductor to, and be mentored by, Professor David King on the Youth Band’s 2024 summer residential course and concert.

“The last competition was a great success, both in terms of the number and quality of applications, and the overall process, it was amazing to see so much enthusiasm and diversity in the entrants. Anna Beresford was a very worthy overall winner, and it was wonderful to see her working alongside Martyn Brabbins and the Band. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what this year’s competition may bring. A huge thank you as well to our partners British Army Music for hosting the live final in Tidworth.”
Mark Bromley, CEO, The NYBBGB

Competition Process
Entrants need to complete a short biography of their experience and upload a short video of their conducting work. Four entrants will be chosen by Dr Robert Chllds and Prof David King to go through to the live final in Tidworth (hosted by British Army Music) on 13th January 2024 in which they will rehearse an NYBBGB Ambassador Band in one of four significant, and well known, brass band works. The four finalists will have their conducting skills judged by a panel comprising Lt Col David Barringer, Capt Andy Porter and Dr Robert Childs.

“British Army Music has a strong affinity with NYBBGB, and it’s a privilege to be hosting the 2024 NYBBGB Conducting Competition. As Commanding Officer Household Division Bands, one of the country’s most iconic professional music organisations, I’m thrilled to have been asked to adjudicate alongside Andrew and Robert to mark the beginning of what I hope will be a long and prosperous partnership, and to help build on the success of the inaugural event in 2023. Young musicians are the life blood of music culture in the UK, and nowhere is this stronger than within the NYBBGB family. I’ve seen first-hand the talent, potential and extremely hard work which underpins these exceptional development opportunities for young musicians, and stepping into the world of conducting has the potential to be life changing for aspiring applicants.”
Lt Col David Barringer, Commanding Officer Household Division Bands, British Army Music.

In order to enter the competition, participants must be aged between 20 and 30 years old on 1st January 2024.

To enter the competition click here. Entries are now open and will close at midnight on 29th October 2023.

Prize
In addition to a £750 cash prize the overall winner will get to work as Assistant Conductor to Professor David King on the Youth Band’s 2024 summer course at Stonyhurst College, and conduct a work at the summer concert in Blackburn Cathedral.

2022 winner
Anna Beresford was the overall winner of the 2022 Young Conductors Competition and of her experience said: “It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated and accomplished young musicians, and alongside feedback from Martyn Brabbins and the staff, I learned a great deal. The experience has absolutely benefitted me as a musician, conductor and educator. Don’t hesitate in applying for the NYBBGB conducting competition!“