Applications are now being sought from bands wishing to compete at the 2019 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

The event, the first to incorporate the changes implemented during the consultation process carried out by organisers, Brass Bands England (BBE), will be held at Warwick Hall and Bridge House Theatre of Warwick School on Saturday 30th March.

BBE has advised potential competitors to take note of important details, including child licensing regulations that will affect every participating group.

Entry fees

4BR has been informed that there is a new entry fee structure for the event.

Bands in all sections will pay a lower amount of £50 to enter, but with the addition of a £1 per player fee payable closer to the contest in all but the Debut Section. BBE has also provided added support for its members by lowering their entry fees by £25 per band.

Speaking on behalf of Brass Bands England, contest organiser Alex Parker told 4BR: "Our progressive new entry fee structure means that the smallest bands will pay less than in previous years, whilst the cost to larger groups will remain roughly the same.

BBE is pleased to be able to support our member bands which, alongside the free DBS checks and substantial insurance savings that we now offer, will also save £25 per band on the cost of entry."

New age limits

Significant changes to the event are reflected in the new age limits for each section.

Debut Section (12 and under):

The aim of this section is to enable beginners to receive their first experience of public performance.

All performers should enjoy a positive experience to encourage them to continue to progress on their instrument.

Bands will play an own-choice programme not exceeding 10 minutes playing time.

Elementary Section (14 and under):

This section aims to give youngsters their first experience of competitive performance.

Participating bands will be given the freedom to select their own choice of music to promote flexible teaching and suitable repertoire for performance at this level.

The own-choice programme, not exceeding 15 minutes, must include one original piece of music for brass band and two verses of a hymn from '120 Hymn Tunes for Brass Bands' (the 'Red' hymn book).

Intermediate Section (16 and under):

This section aims to introduce youngsters to the concept of assessment on original brass band music, in preparation for advancement to performing set test-pieces in future years.

Bands will perform an own-choice programme not exceeding 20 minutes, which must include an original brass band work of at least 7 minutes duration.

Championship Section (18 and under):

The aim of this section is for youngsters to perform together at a high standard and provide the final step through the doorway to adult banding.

All the players will be youngsters still in formal education. Those over 18 years of age but who are still studying within the formal education system (i.e. at Sixth Form College or similar) can seek clearance take part in the event.

This can be done by email to youthchamps@bbe.org.uk

Bands will perform an own-choice programme not exceeding 20 minutes, which will include a set test-piece.

The set test-piece for the Championship Section will be 'Corineus' by Christopher Bond. It is published by the composer and available from his website at www.christopherbondmusic.co.uk

BBE has advised potential competitors to take note of important details, including child licensing regulations that will affect every participating group4BR

Significant changes

Alex Parker of BBE added: "We hope to host a memorable contest next year. There have been significant changes to help create an enjoyable, supportive environment to help the development of young players as they build a passion for banding that can last a lifetime.

Everyone can expect a great day out, and the facilities at Warwick School are fantastic."

Application Information

Full details for competing bands can be found at bbe.org.uk including links to the information pack, rules and entry form.

Bands should register and pay their entry fee on the website to secure a place in the competition. All applications will be dealt strictly on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Due to a limitation on the number of bands that can be accommodated, some applications may be unsuccessful. In this instance, bands will be placed on a reserve list.

For this reason, bands are encouraged to apply quickly to avoid disappointment as a high turnout is envisaged.