National Youth and Children's Bands announce audition dates

If you want to try and get place on the National Youth and National Children's Bands of Great Britain then get along to an audition — and you get a great freebie thrown in too!

National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain

If you want to be a part of these great bands then why not give an audition a go

Thursday, 23 March 2017

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Children's Band of Great Britain have released the dates of forthcoming auditions for players.

The National Youth Band is open to youngsters aged 12 to 18, whilst the National Children's Band is open to youngsters aged 8 to 13. Entry to both bands is by the audition process only.

Free masterclass

All those who audition will also be given a free masterclass by a leading brass or percussion player. Previous tutors have included Tom Hutchinson (Cory), Owen Farr (Brass Band of Battle Creek), Brett Baker (Black Dyke), Les Neish (Brass Band of Battle Creek) and Mark Landon (Fodens.)
Audition dates for the coming year are:

Dates:

Saturday 17th June: University of Huddersfield
Saturday 24th June: LSO St. Luke's, London
Sunday 22nd October: Ratby Bandroom, Leicestershire
Saturday 4th November: University of Salford
Saturday 11th November: St. Dennis Bandroom, Cornwall
Saturday 11th November: University of Sunderland

Additional dates

There are also three additional dates for youngsters to audition during the popular free-of-charge open days, which are held during each of the residential courses.

These are on 11th April for the National Youth Band at Uppingham School in Rutland, and25th July and 1st August at Repton School in Derby.

Encourage

Robert Childs, Chairman of the NYBBGB told 4BR: "I would like to think that gaining a coveted place in either band is an experience which these young musicians will remember for the rest of their lives. We would encourage any child or teenager who wishes to improve their playing to audition.

We feel strongly that everyone should come away from their auditions having had a positive and enlightening experience, which is why we have also included a free-of-charge masterclass as part of the audition experience, regardless of whether the youngsters are successful or not."

We feel strongly that everyone should come away from their auditions having had a positive and enlightening experience, which is why we have also included a free-of-charge masterclassDr Robert Childs

Find out more

The NYBB holds two one-week long residential courses during Easter and August, with the National Children's Band holding an annual course every July.

Each residential course is led by a renowned conductor supported by a number of leading brass and percussion coaches.

For more information go to: www.nybbgb.com

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