*
banner

180! Scottish Youth Bands get ready for showcase concerts

180 talented young players are in Perthshire working hard under tutors and MDs on the annual National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland course.

NYBBS
  Players are already enjoying the musical atmosphere on the current course

The three ensembles that make up the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland organisation (NYBBS) are currently working hard on their summer course at a sun-baked Strathallan School in Perthshire.

The 180 talented performers are being put through their musical paces by a dedicated team of tutors and the trio of experienced MDs, preparing for their concert performances this coming weekend.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the week will be a collaboration working to gain Arts Awards (accredited by Trinity College London) with the Reserve and Children's bands, under conductors John Boax and Gordon Evans.

Meanwhile, the Senior Band will once again be led by Russell Gray, whilst the tartan carpet is being rolled out to welcome the irrepressible Richard Evans, NYBBS Conductor Emeritus, who will work with all three ensembles.

Concerts

The end of course concerts will see the Children's Band and the Reserve Band perform at Strathallan School (PH2 9EG) on Saturday 28th July at 1.30pm and 3.30pm respectively, whilst the Senior Band will be joined by the NYBBS 60th Anniversary Re-union Band at Albert Halls in Stirling (FK8 2QL) on Sunday 29th July at 2.00pm.

That concert will also see the world premiere of the winning march from the SBBA 'Young Composer Competition'.

Wonderful atmosphere

SBBA President Carrie Boax told 4BR: "We certainly don't do things by halves in Scotland, with 180 youngsters all eager to develop their playing talents. There is a wonderful atmosphere about these courses especially in seeing the players meet new friends and hear them grow in musical confidence.

It's all rounded off with three brilliant concerts — by not one but four great bands, so please come along and see just why Scotland continues to invest in developing the next generations of brass band players."

There is a wonderful atmosphere about these courses especially in seeing the players meet new friends and hear them grow in musical confidenceCarrie Boax

Principal players

The audition process has also seen the allocation of the principal positions in the Children's and Reserve Bands

Children's Band:


Cornet: Sophie Hall
Flugel: Rona Campbell
Horn: William Scott
Baritone: Charlie Boax
Euphonium: Angus Ritchie
Trombone: Elita McFarlane
Bass Trombone: Aileen Orr
Bass: Andrew Colville
Percussion: Finlay Damer

Reserve Band:


Soprano: Rachel Lee
Cornet: Olivia Beckett
Flugel: Fraser McLachlan
Horn: Faye McKee
Baritone: Alex Paterson
Euphonium: Natalie Kane
Trombone: Steven Spence
Bass Trombone: Mark Gammon
Bass: Laura Carter
Percussion: Hannah Davidson

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    


Llangollen

International Eisteddfod victory for Welsh Youth

July 14 • Gwasanaeth Cerdd Gwynedd & Mon Senior Brass Band claims honours in the Community Band category at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.


Swiss National Youth

Live broadcast 50th celebrations for Swiss Youth Band

July 13 • You can enjoy the special anniversary concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland and friends today.


LEEDS bEST OF bRASS

Leeds Best of Brass series launched

July 13 • Eight top level bands will be featured at Pudsey Civic Hall as part of the new season of 'Best of Brass' concerts.


Sir Karl Jenkins

Aldbourne to lead Armed Man celebrations

July 13 • The West of England Regional Champion will help lead the 25th anniversary celebrations of Sir Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' in two major concerts appearances this year with the composer.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd