*
banner

Artistic lead for Dr Robert Childs with National Youth Band

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has appointed Dr Robert Childs as its first ever Director of Artistic Planning.

Childs
  Dr Robert Childs has been associated with the National Youth Band for almost 50 years

Dr Robert Childs, the Director of Brass Band Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama will continue his long term association with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain by becoming its first Director of Artistic Planning.

Dr Childs, who began his association with the organisation as a player in the early 1970s, stood down as Chairman earlier this year and will now also retire as a trustee. He will now be responsible for delivering the artistic vision of both the Youth Band and its sister ensemble, the Children's Band.

New structure

Reporting to into NYBBGB CEO, Mark Bromley, the role replaces the current positions of Artistic Director of the Youth Band and Musical Director of the Children's Band. A new diverse range of conductors will now be sought to lead courses.

The appointment, which will be for up to six years, will oversee the artistic quality, education and performance standards of auditions, courses, touring programmes and concerts.

Speaking about the appointment, CEO, Mark Bromley said: "We're extremely fortunate to have someone as highly regarded and experienced as Bob join the team.

It will allow us to build on the legacy of Bramwell Tovey and Prof Nicholas Childs and give our members the opportunity to experience a diverse range of conductors, composers and soloists from around the world."

It will allow us to build on the legacy of Bramwell Tovey and Prof Nicholas Childs and give our members the opportunity to experience a diverse range of conductors, composers and soloists from around the worldCEO, Mark Bromley

New chapter

In response, Dr Robert Childs added: "I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity to continue working with the NYBBGB, a band I've been involved with for almost fifty years.

This is a new chapter for us both and I'm excited by the prospect of working with CEO Mark Bromley inviting conductors and tutors to share the invigorating feeling of working with Britain's best of the best in youth music."

Further information

Further information about the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain (funded by the Department for Education and Arts Council England) can be found on Facebook, Twitter @nybbgb or via www.nybbgb.com

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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd