It has been announced that the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is to be guest conducted for its annual Easter course by Jamie Phillips, the Associate Conductor of the Halle Orchestra.
Dudamel Fellow
The charismatic young conductor (above) is also the Music Director of the Halle Youth Orchestra, as well as being heavily involved in many of the orchestra's education programmes and concerts and is the Dudamel Fellow of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
The band will hold its Easter residential course at Taunton School, Somerset, from 25th March to 1st April.
Concerts
The annual Easter course will culminate in two end-of-course concerts at Wells Cathedral on 31st March and Cheltenham Town Hall on 1st April, where the featured guest soloist will be Besson tenor horn virtuoso, Owen Farr.
The band will be hosting a free open day on Tuesday 29th March to help inspire the next generation of budding players — enabling talented youngsters from across the UK to experience the NYBBGB for a day. It is open to young brass and percussion players between the ages of 8 and 18, music teachers and parents. Lunch will also be provided.
Open day opportunities
The youngsters will have the opportunity to play with the band, receive coaching from top musician tutors, as well as audition for a place in the band should they wish to.
Drawn from some of the UK's leading brass bands and ensembles, these include Mark Wilkinson (cornet), Elaine Williams (cornet), Paul Young (cornet), horns (Owen Farr), David Chillds (euphoniums), Chris Jeans (trombones), Les Neish (tubas) and Andrea Price (percussion)
To have Jamie Phillips at the helm promises to be something extra special and something we are all looking forward toPhilip Biggs, NYBBGB's administrator
Jewel in the crown
Philip Biggs, the NYBBGB's administrator told 4BR: "The band is the jewel in the crown of the brass band world, and one we should all be rightly proud of. To have Jamie Phillips at the helm promises to be something extra special and something we are all looking forward to.
Performances by the band are always nothing short of spectacular, and I encourage everyone to come to our concerts and Open day."
Tickets
Tickets for the two concerts are priced £12 and £10 for concessions. These are available by calling 01223 234090 or via www.ticketsource.co.uk/nybbgb
Those interested in the Open Day, e-mail: johnmaines@btinternet.com
Image: Copyright: Yves Petit
