The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 Launches – A Career-Defining Opportunity for Emerging Conductors
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is delighted to announce the launch of their Young Conductors’ Competition 2026, a prestigious and career-launching opportunity for aspiring conductors aged 20 to 30. Now running for the third time, this biennial competition offers the chance to work as Assistant Conductor on The NYBBGB’s 2026 Summer Residential Course and conduct in the Band’s flagship Summer Concert on 8th August 2026 at The Forum, Bath.
This unique competition continues to attract national attention for nurturing the UK’s most promising brass conducting talent. The winner will not only join Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts and The NYBBGB Youth Band during their week-long 2026 Summer Course at Taunton School but will also receive a £750 cash prize.
“This is a springboard for conductors ready to step onto a national platform. We’re looking for musicians who can inspire, communicate and lead with both precision and passion,” said Dr Robert Childs, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning and long-time champion of emerging musical talent.
How It Works
The competition is free to enter, with submissions due by 1st November 2025. A shortlist of four finalists will be selected based on submitted materials, which may also include a conversation with the judges. The competition final will take place on 17th January 2026 at Tidworth Garrison Theatre, Wiltshire and will involve live rehearsals with a full brass band composed of NYBBGB musicians.
Each finalist will rehearse one of four iconic brass band works:
- ‘Resurgam’ by Eric Ball
- ‘Music for a Festival’ by Philip Sparke
- ‘Shine as the Light’ by Peter Graham
- ‘Dimensions’ by Peter Graham
A live audience and a distinguished judging panel, including Maestro Martyn Brabbins, Major Craig Bywater and Dr Robert Childs will assess each finalist based on musicality, leadership, rehearsal technique and interpretation.
“The standard is extraordinarily high,” said Lt Col Petritz-Watts. “We are looking for conductors with not only technical skill but also emotional intelligence, clarity and a passion for shaping young musical minds.”
Eligibility and Entry
Open to conductors aged 20 to 30 as of 1st January 2026.
Entrants must submit:
- A short biography (maximum 5,000 characters)
- A 10-minute conducting video
- A scan of their passport information page for age verification
Entries must be received by midnight on Saturday 1st November 2025.
The competition application form can be found here.
Full entry criteria can be found here.
Finalists must prepare all four set works in advance, with their assigned piece and order determined by a draw on the day.
A Proven Platform for Success
Since winning the 2024 Young Conductors’ Competition, Joshua Parkhill, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, performs regularly as a trombonist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, works as a score reader for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and freelances as a community music practitioner. Joshua was recently appointed Musical Director of the Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band, leading them to multiple awards at the West of Scotland Contest. His diverse experience also includes performing in musical theatre pits, recording for video games and films, and winning Best Trombone at both the 2025 Scottish Championships and Solo Championships. Additionally, he teaches brass players part-time for the City of Edinburgh Council.
“It was an unforgettable experience – working with both The NYBBGB and The British Army Band was incredibly inspiring,” said Joshua. “This competition has given me the confidence and exposure to build a meaningful career in brass conducting.”
NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley added: “This competition represents a vital investment in the future of brass music. Thanks to our invaluable partner, British Army Music, we continue to provide world-class opportunities to the most promising young conductors in the UK.”
Meet the 2026 Judges
- Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts – Pioneering Principal Director of Music (Army), the first woman to hold the role since 1857
- Maestro Martyn Brabbins – Celebrated British conductor and former Music Director of English National Opera
- Major Craig Bywater – Chief Instructor at the Royal Military School of Music
- Dr Robert Childs – A distinguished figure in brass education and performance with a five-decade legacy at The NYBBGB
Applications Close: Midnight on Saturday 1st November 2025
Competition Final: 17th January 2026 at Tidworth Garrison Theatre
NYBBGB Summer Course & Concert: 1st to 8th August 2026 at Taunton School and The Forum, Bath
