*
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    


Spring Festival

Feedback to bring significant changes to Spring Festival

May 20 • The Mortimer family has responded to the feedback from the recent Spring Festival contests in Birmingham as concerns and complaints have been addressed.


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Fernie and Joe Galuszka will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd