*
banner

National Youth Band launches flagship Composer Competition

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is searching for the next generation of talented young composers

composer
  Entrants must be aged 30 or under

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has launched its flagship Young Composer Competition.

It is open to composers aged 30 or under and offers an outstanding opportunity to have a work performed at one of the high profile courses of the National Youth bands.

Three winning entries will each receive £750 and a mentoring opportunity, whilst three runners-up will each receive £250 and an online coaching session.

Concert premieres

The winning pieces will be rehearsed at the NYBBGB summer course and performed at the Youth Band summer concert at the Royal College of Music, London under Martyn Brabbins on 9th August 2025.

The first competition won by Daniel Hall with his work 'Dieu Et Mon Droit', which was performed by the National Youth Band conducted by Sarah Ioannides.

Belgian composer Lennert Van Laenen was the runner-up and had his piece performed by the National Children's Band, conducted by Mareika Gray. The judges also highly commended pieces submitted by Jack Yagerline (which was also performed by the Youth Band) and Charlotte McGregor Graham.

The NYBBGB subsequently commissioned both Daniel Hall and Charlotte McGregor-Graham to write new works.

The entries will be judged by composer Gavin Higgins, Martyn Brabbins and Dr Robert Childs.

To enter

To enter and for more information go to:

https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on/competitions/young-composers-competition

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    


Tameside

Tameside ready to welcome Whit Friday visitors

May 28 • Tameside will offer a warm welcome to competitors and visitors alike for their Whit Friday contests.


wHIT fRIDAY

Saddleworth set for Whit Friday

May 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick defend their title on what promises to be a packed day of great march entertainment in the sun.


tRANSCEND

National Youth Orchestra set to transcend with summer concerts

May 28 • Thomas Ades will lead the National Youth Orchestra this summer with an intoxicating world of sound, energy, transformation — and free tickets for teenagers.


Brabbins

Brabbins takes quartet chair at Royal College of Music

May 28 • Martyn Brabbins is to become Personal Chair in Conducting at the Royal College of Music.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

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


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd