The Scottish Brass Band Association has announced details of the new audition process that has been put in place for their flagship National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Put in place

Although no auditions are required to become part of the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland or National Youth Reserve Brass Band of Scotland, a new requirement has now been put in place for the premier ensemble.

Positive step

SBBA told 4BR: "In a positive step to nurture the National Youth Brass Band to become Europe’s leading youth band, all players wishing to participate in any residential courses or additional performance opportunities throughout 2014 will need to audition, including previous members."

The auditions will also be used to select the Scottish representatives for the 2014 European Youth Brass Band, whilst SBBA believes that the re-introduction of an audition process will also continually assess and develop the premier band.

Ability

They added: "The annual audition process will ensure that membership is based on the individual progression of each of its members, truly reflecting their personal ability and acting as an incentive for improvement.

SBBA is also keen that the audition process will widen interest across the whole of Scotland from talented young brass and percussion players.

SBBA wants to encourage all talented young musicians who meet the entrance criteria to embrace this opportunity and benefit from the many exciting musical and social benefits offered through this leading youth brass band."

Details

Auditions are open to candidates aged 16 to 22 inclusive (as of 1st August 2014).

The auditions will involve the performance of two contrasting, prepared pieces as well as some sight-reading. The audition panel will comprise Andrew Duncan and Phillip McCann.

Entrance auditions will be held all over Scotland and candidates can attend any one of the locations, regardless of where they live.

The annual audition process will ensure that membership is based on the individual progression of each of its members, truly reflecting their personal ability and acting as an incentive for improvementSBBA

Venues, Dates & Times

Friday 29th November: Campbeltown, Argyll (6.00pm — 8.30pm)
Saturday 30th November: Glasgow (10.00am — 5.00pm)
Sunday 1st December: Whitburn, West Lothian (10.00am — 1.00pm)
Sunday 1st December: Dalmellington, Ayrshire (3.00pm — 5.00pm)
Friday 6th December: Aberdeen (6.00pm — 8.30pm)
Saturday 7th December: Carnoustie, Angus (10.00pm – 5.00pm)
Sunday 8th December: Gorebridge, Midlothian (10.00am — 1.00pm)
Sunday 8th December: Jedburgh, Borders (3.00pm — 5.00pm)

Application Forms

SBBA Development Manager Andrew Duncan, is coordinating the audition schedule, and can be contacted on andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk to answer questions about the auditions.

Application forms will be available to download from the NYBBS website at: www.nybbs.co.uk