A trio of talented young English players are looking forward to representing the nation in Stavanger as part of the 2025 European Youth Brass Band.
The ensemble will play an integral part in the non-competitive musical attractions at the event between the 3rd-11th May, with a variety of concerts and appearances, including at the Opening Ceremony, European Conductor's Competition.
Alice Clarke, Jake Humphreys and Thomas Hall were selected by Brass Bands England (BBE) in consultation with a panel made up of brass performance experts from across English conservatoires.
Alice
Alice is a tenor horn student at the Royal Northern College of Music and has enjoyed many courses with the National Childrens' Band and Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. She currently plays with Brighouse & Rastrick on first horn.
Alice told 4BR: "I'm delighted to have been offered the opportunity to work with the very best young musicians and tutors from across Europe and am looking forward to the course in Stavanger."
Jake
Jake first started playing in his local music service, NMPAT, and the award-winning Youth Brass 2000. After joining GUS in 2022 he changed to soprano cornet and in September 2023 moved to London to begin his studies at the Royal College of Music.
Thomas
Thomas has been playing euphonium for 13 years. A former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain he is currently a second-year trombone student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he has played in their Symphony Orchestra and Brass Band as well as the CBSO Youth Orchestra. He is also solo euphonium of Enderby Band and plays in Birmingham Citadel Band.
Speaking about the forthcoming experience he told 4BR: "It's a real privilege to have the opportunity to represent England and play with this band having watched the Euros on two occasions before. I'm really looking forward to the experience!!"
I'm delighted to have been offered the opportunity to work with the very best young musicians and tutors from across Europe and am looking forward to the course in StavangerAlice Clarke
English bands
England will also be represented at the European Championships by Foden's in the Championship Section and Wardle Academy and University of Chichester Brass Band in the Youth Championship.
