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!"