*
banner

There will be a buzz about Manchester in June

The talented youngsters of the Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band will create a musical buzz in the beating hub heart of their city in June.

Macnester
  The talented young performers hope to make a buzz about Manchester in June

The Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band, part of the provision organised by the Greater Manchester Music Education Hub, is to open the prestigious GM Hub Celebration Concert at the Bridgewater Hall in June.

The concert will feature a new composition written for the band by Andrea Price entitled 'Buzz' which reflects on the spirit of Manchester from its industrial past through to its regeneration as a thriving region at the core of the 'Northern Powerhouse'.

Strong

Andrea, who has been the percussion tutor since the band was founded in 2013, told 4BR: "Working with the young musicians of the GMYBB has always been an absolute pleasure.

They are not only incredibly talented performers, but their sense of community and citizenship is extremely strong."

She added: "I was thrilled to be asked to compose the piece and very quickly came up with the word 'Buzz' which has many functions in the context of this piece as well as its strong link to the City of Manchester.

I wanted to capture the spirit of playing a brass instrument, and particularly playing to such a high standard. I hope the young musicians feel the same 'buzz' I do when I hear them perform!"

Connotations

Following the world premiere the band will also perform Edward Gregson's iconic 'Connotations for Brass Band'.

Mark Peacock the GMYBB Musical Director told 4BR: "The aim of our band is to stretch the young players beyond the level of their other youth bands — and 'Connotations' remains such a brilliant aspiring work."

I was thrilled to be asked to compose the piece and very quickly came up with the word 'Buzz' which has many functions in the context of this piece as well as its strong link to the City of ManchesterComposer, Andrea Price

Culmination

The band, made up of over 50 young musicians from the ten music services that make up the GM Music Hub, meet for just three weekends a year at Salford University. The concert is the culmination of their year's work.

The concert will also feature the other hub ensembles String Orchestra (GMYSO). Wind Orchestra (GMYWO), Show Choir (GMYSC) and Jazz Orchestra (GMJO).

Tickets for the concert are available from the Bridgewater Hall.

photo credit Gerard Booth

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Player

2025 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So much individual talent shone in the banding world in 2025 — but one player was the shining star of them all.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd