*
banner

Brabbins prize for inaugural National Youth Conductor Competition

One lucky winner will get the opportunity to work with conductor Martyn Brabbins and the talented youngsters of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Brabbins
  The competition offers the chance to work with Martyn Brabbins on the 70th anniversary course

The 70th anniversary of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is to be celebrated by a first ever Conductor Competition.

Supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation it is aimed at creating a major opportunity for emerging conductors to make a significant mark with the organisation and its performers.

Martyn Brabbins

There is a range of prizes on offer for the winner, including conducting at the special 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert and being tutored by renowned English National Opera conductor Martyn Brabbins.

Speaking about the initiative, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning & Competition Judge, Dr. Robert Childs told 4BR: "The National Youth Brass Band traditionally nurtures young brass and percussion players, preparing them for a musical future.

However, many diversify and develop into conductors. This new competition will give the winner the remarkable opportunity to work with Martyn Brabbins for a full week."

Passionate

In response, Martyn Brabbins said: "Discovering new conducting talent, and then nurturing that talent is something I am passionately committed to.

First though, you have to give the aspiring conductor a chance to show what he or she has to offer. This new competition will do just that, and by a process of selection and with careful guidance, new talent will be given the chance to flourish."

Competition Process

The competition will consist of an application stage followed by two further rounds.

Participants must be aged between 20 and 30 years old on 1st January 2022. Entries will be accepted for the competition until October 1st 2021.

To enter, you must complete a short biography, upload a video submission and provide your contact information.

Weston Prize for Conducting



The winner of the Weston Prize for Conducting will join Martyn Brabbins and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for their Summer Course at Taunton School between 30th July and 6th August.

The opportunity includes working as Associate Conductor and rehearsing with the band's music staff and youngsters.

Discovering new conducting talent, and then nurturing that talent is something I am passionately committed toMartyn Brabbins

Concert

The winner will conduct a work at the NYBBGB's 70th Anniversary concert on 6th August in London, and receive £500 to explore their talents alongside and be mentored by Martyn Brabbins.

Successful entrants will go through an online interview stage before being notified of their acceptance.

From interview stage, six conductors will be selected to work with a band made up of members of the NYBBGB, being assessed by Martyn Brabbins, Dr Robert Childs and Captain Sam Hairsine RM.

For the final stage of the competition, three finalists will have their skills judged by the same panelists.

More information

For more detailed information regarding the competition process, please refer to the NYBBGB Weston Conductors Competition page on the NYBBGB website: https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/cc2022

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    


Yorkshire Area

Yorkshire announces adjudication line-up

October 17 • The adjudicators that will make the all important decisions at the 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships have been announced.


SiddisBrass

SIDDIS announces line-up of bands and judges

October 17 • 62 bands will compete at Stavanger Konserthus for the SIDDIS Entertainment Championships.


Shirley Band

Howe to lead Shirley Band

October 17 • Kieron Howe has been appointed as the new Musical Director of Shirley Band.


Desford

Desford reaching wider audience following National win

October 16 • The wider public media have been keen to broadcast the news of Desford's memorable National Championship victory.


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd