*
banner

Ensemble ethos as principals decided at NYBBS

Its all for one and one for all in Perthshire as the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland work hard under their conductors and tutors.

nybbs
  The course will end with a special Brass in the Park concert

The trio of National Youth Brass Band of Scotland are currently working hard on their annual course at Strathallan School in Perthshire.

The Childrens', Reserve and Senior Bands are being led by Alan Fernie, John Boax and Ian Porthouse respectively.

Brass at the Park

This year their traditional end-of-course concert is being replaced by a 'Brass at the Park' celebration at their base at Strathallan School of the musical life and legacy of NYBBS Conductor Emeritus, Richard Evans who passed away in 2022.

On Sunday 11th August (11.00am — 5.00pm) the grounds will be transformed into a huge campus featuring a large marquee in which the three NYBBS bands (Childrens', Reserve and Senior) will be joined by special guests Dalmellington Band and Rushen Silver from the Isle of Man, with whom Richard worked for many years.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/scottish-brass-band-association

As always there is great communal atmosphere of hard work and fun, although there is a great pride for individual players and their bands to be named as principal players of their sections.

Principal players

National Youth Brass Band of Scotland

Conductor: Ian Porthouse

Tutors: Anna Hughes, Leanne Porthouse, Arfon Owen, Sion Rhys Jones, Ryan Richards, Ross Knight, Gareth Hand.

Principal Players:
Soprano: Luke Parkhill
Cornet: Ruaridh Prentice
Flugel: Rona Campbell
Horn: Andrew McMillan
Solo Trombone: Anna Biggart
Bass Trombone: Aileen Orr
Baritone: Charlie Boax
Euphonium: Angus Ritchie
Eb Bass: Owen Campbell
BBb Bass: Euan Court
Percussion: Louise Andrews


National Youth Reserve Brass Band of Scotland

Conductor: John Boax

Tutors: Stephanie Kennedy, Phillippa MacDougall, Gareth Bowman, Chris Shanks, Charlie Farren, Damian Martin.

Principal Players:
Soprano: Nathanael Ramsay
Cornet: Charlie Colville
Flugel: Rose Cavanagh
Horn: Izzi Stirling
Solo Trombone: Iris Dean
Bass Trombone: David Bone
Baritone: Annie Watson
Euphonium: James Grassick
Bass: Libby Hamilton
Percussion: Ellis McCrae


National Youth Children's Brass Band of Scotland

Conductor: Alan Fernie

Tutors: Caroline Farren, Rebecca Paterson, Stuart Black, Gary Williams, Mark Bell and Iona Robinson.

Principal Players:
Soprano: Lucy McFadzean
Cornet: Beth Drury
Flugel: Noah Dickson
Horn: Grace Barr
Solo Trombone: Jamie Gillespie
Bass Trombone: Sophie Doig
Baritone: Rachel Ross
Euphonium: Daania Ahmad
Bass: Xander Kerr
Percussion: Hollie Reid

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


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!.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd