The talented youngsters of the Yorkshire Youth Band recently enjoyed plenty of hard work and great music on their first gathering of 2018 in Saddleworth.

Led by Black Dyke Band Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, the course was made possible by the continued support of Besson Musical Instruments, and once again the highly successful organisation continued its work in helping develop young brass bands players.

Black Dyke stars

The weekend's music making was led by Brett Baker and Richard Marshall assisted by other Queensbury band stars Dan Thomas, Siobhan Bates, Matt Routley, Harry Cunningham, John O'Brien, David Smith, Neil Edwards aided by Course Administrators Alison and Rebecca Childs.

For the opening course Siobhan Bates led a special one hour workshop on Performance Anxiety.

Credit

Prof Childs was delighted by the success of the first gathering of the year as he told 4BR: "The first course of the year is always eagerly awaited as we start work on the new repertoire in preparation for the performance at the Black Dyke Brass Festival in Leeds on 3rd June.

The response has once again has been amazing and is a huge credit to the week in week out work of the bands each players is linked to."

Prof Childs revealed that this year that will include, Philip Harper's 'Olympus', as well as 'Mack the Knife', 'Starlight' by Alan Fernie and 'Pines of Rome', which he said may just take the roof off at the Festival!"

Amazed

Meanwhile, Richard Marshall was once again amazed by the enthusiasm of the youngsters for the challenges ahead. "The way they want to learn and tackle the new music is amazing," he said. "That's what make the Yorkshire Youth Band such a rewarding experience — everyone benefits especially the players who go back to their own bands with such a musical spring in their step."

Each course consists of massed warm-ups, sectionals, full band, masterclass, Q&A sessions, tutoring and advice, plus an end of day concert.

The response has once again has been amazing and is a huge credit to the week in week out work of the bands each players is linked toProf Nicholas Childs

Interest in joining?

The next Yorkshire Youth Band course will be on Sunday, 15th April.

New members are always welcome and should contact Course Administrator:
Alison Childs