On-line finale rounds of triumphant NYBBS course

The youngsters of the National Youth Bands of Scotland provide brilliant entertainment to round off their on-line summer course.

An on-line concert provided by the young musicians of the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland to draw their 2020 Summer Course to an end has been hailed as "a brilliant success".

It provided the culmination of a totally revised structure which replaced the traditional 'grand finale' to the usual residential event at the Strathallan School in Perthshire which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

Brilliant success

A proud Scottish Brass Band Association President, Carrie Boax told 4BR: "The concert was broadcast on the SBBA YouTube channel and proved to be a stirring triumph for the talent, enthusiasm and determination of all those that took part. It was a brilliant success."

The 45 minute 'concert' was in three parts; featuring the Children's Band, conducted by Alan Fernie, the Reserve Band under the baton of SBBA Education Officer John Boax, and the Senior Band directed by Ian Porthouse.

Opening the Seniors' spot was the inaugural performance of 'CeÃ²l' (Gaelic for music), a short, snappy new work specially commissioned for the on-line course from Alan Fernie.

Rousing finale

Meanwhile, the rousing finale was provided by a composition with a century and more of history to its name, as the three bands joined together for a rendition of the march 'Slaidburn', conducted with inimitable 'swagger' by Richard Evans.

SBBA had collaborated with tutors and conductors to engage the students in the preparation of the online concert for several weeks beforehand.

To replace face-to-face tuition, a series of videos was prepared by the NYBBS conducting team for the SBBA YouTube channel, offering their encouragement, advice and musical expertise.

The concert was broadcast on the SBBA YouTube channel and proved to be a stirring triumph for the talent, enthusiasm and determination of all those that took part. It was a brilliant successCarrie Boax

Appreciative

Looking back on the preparation and delivery of the on-line event, SBBA president Carrie Boax said: "As both a coordinator and as a NYBBS parent, I cannot stress enough how appreciative families and players are for the amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes into the preparation and execution of this achievement.

The actual length of the concert itself does not really do it justice."

She added: "Everyone involved has been absolutely amazing, so positive and determined to get all of the NYBBS players connected and motivated into making music. Special thanks go to Creative Scotland and the Youth Music Initiative for their funding and ongoing support, without which this whole event would not have been possible.

I'm so proud to see how far we have come since the planning stages in April. I do hope that the concert is appreciated in the way that it is meant — an opportunity to connect our youngsters and their families to ensure they remain motivated to continue on their musical journey."