The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is to perform at Cheltenham Town Hall and Wells Cathedral on the weekend of the 6th/7th April.

Led by Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey, the 80 strong band will be joined by guest soloist Richard Marshall, the celebrated principal cornet of Black Dyke.

Demanding programme

Bramwell Tovey, who was recently appointed Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra has chosen a demanding programme for the concerts, including Wilfred Heaton's 'Variations' as well as a trio of works from Dorothy Gates ('Faith'), Liz Lane ('Tide and Time') and Kelly-Marie Murphy ('Forster's Corpse').

NYBBGB's administrator, Philip Biggs told 4BR: "This is sure to be a truly inspirational experience. The performances led by Bramwell Tovey and with guest soloist, Richard Marshall are not to be missed."

Week long course

The concerts will conclude the week-long residential course at Taunton School in Somerset, where the talented performers are being coached by a tutor team that includes Richard Marshall, Mark Wilkinson, Lucy Cutt, Owen Farr, Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, Chris Jeans, Les Neish, Mark Landon and John Maines.

Tickets are priced £10 and £5 (concessions) for Cheltenham and £14 and £10 (concessions) for Wells.

Both concerts start at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available via http://nybbgb.com/whats-on.html and concession tickets are available by calling 01223 234090.

Open Day

Meanwhile, the traditional open day workshop for aspiring young brass and percussion players will be held on 3rd April at Taunton School in Somerset.

It is hoped that players aged 8 to 18, will attend to have enjoy the chance of playing in the band, receive expert tuition and audition for a place if they wish. Auditions are available for both the National Youth and National Children's Band of Great Britain. Attendees will get to play under Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey.

This is sure to be a truly inspirational experience. The performances led by Bramwell Tovey and with guest soloist, Richard Marshall are not to be missedNYBBGB administrator, Philip Biggs

Get in touch

Philip Biggs added: "The open day is always hugely popular, with many of those who have attended previously going on to join both bands.

It is designed to inspire all those who attend, and we would encourage anyone with an interest in developing their playing to get in touch."

The Open Day will begin at 10.00am and end at lunchtime. To sign up, email: johnmaines48@btinternet.com