*
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    


Bandamonium

Free live broadcast of Bandamonium

May 15 • You can now enjoy the brilliant music making at the Bandamonium Devon festival thanks to a new partnership link with Next Step Films — and its all free.


Friary

Stewart steps down after 20 years of trom service at Friary

May 15 • The vastly experienced Ian Stewart has decided to call time on his playing with Friary Brass.


Dutch Open

Dutch Open welcomes competitors

May 15 • The Dutch Open will feature 16 bands with their own-choice programmes in Groningen next month.


CalderPips

Hush Hush! CalderPips launches flugel mute

May 15 • The mute manufacturer has added to its multi-coloured range with a new flugel horn addition.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


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


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd