*
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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd