*
banner

Porthouse leads Scottish Youth a Dance in Perthshire

The Easter Course of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland is being led a merry dance or two by Ian Porthouse and his team of tutors.

Ian Porthouse
  Ian Porthouse is leading the conducting team on the Easter Course of the National Youth Band of Scotland

The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Easter Course is currently underway at Strathallan School in Perthshire, where MD Ian Porthouse, Richard Evans, John Boax and Alan Fernie are working with the latest batch of talented young players who will take their places in the latest Reserve and Senior Bands.

Inclusion and progression

The organisation has just celebrated its 60th birthday and continues to evolve with an ethos strongly centered on long term musical inclusion and progression.

The featured soloist this year is former alumni Rachel Neil, who will premiere a brand new work from the pen of composer Tom Davoren at the course end concert at Strathallan School on Sunday 14th April at 2.30pm.

This year's Easter Course has been supported by Creative Scotland, further emphasizing the Scottish Brass Band Association's commitment to youth development, whilst musical ambition is certainly being shown by a programme that includes works as diverse as Malcolm Arnold's 'Four Scottish Dances' and John Rutter's 'The Lord Bless and Keep You' to 'Hora Staccato' and 'Nightingale Dances'.

I'm thrilled to be asked to be part of that and to be able to work with a great tutor team of conductors and inspirational playing staffIan Porthouse

Beacon of excellence

Ian recently told 4BR: "The Scottish Brass Band Association is a beacon of excellence when it comes to the long term development of young brass banding talent.

I'm thrilled to be asked to be part of that and to be able to work with a great tutor team of conductors and inspirational playing staff.

Richard Evans has always told me how special it is to make the trips to Scotland for the NYBBS courses so I know I've got plenty to look forward to, especially as he will be right at my side!"

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    


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Rex Richardson

What links Peter Graham, Rex Richardson, Alfred Hitchcock and Beyonce?

September 18 • Composer Peter Graham's music has been reaching a truly global audience of late...


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd