The growing popularity of the brass band movement in the United States of America will be boosted by a significant landmark in 2019, with the inaugural course of the National Youth Brass Band of America.

Pioneered by founder and Artistic Director Helen Harrelson, it will take place on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri between June 17th and 22nd and will be open to brass and percussion musicians ages 23 and under.

King lead

The course will also be led by Prof David King — in what Helen exclusively told 4BR will mark the desire for the students to gain the opportunity of performing challenging brass band repertoire under the guidance of a world class conductor and tutors.

"This is such an exciting time for the youth movement in the US,"Helen said. "We have such a strong team invested in the success and development of this project and we're thrilled to welcome Prof King as our Founding Musical Director — who brings an immense amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that will be fun, inspirational and challenging for the students."

Student experience

Helen revealed that the course ethos is to place an emphasis on the whole student experience, by providing the best possible training within the genre as well as enhancing each students' vision and awareness of both the US and international brass band movements.

She added: "It will also be a great opportunity to create a cohesive network to support future youth development and collaboration between established and newly formed organizations.

I have always treasured my time spent on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain courses, and how they influenced me and so many others. That is why I hope this promises to be the start of something that will grow and grow."

I have always treasured my time spent on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain courses, and how they influenced me and so many others. That is why I hope this promises to be the start of something that will grow and growHelen Harrelson

Unique opportunity

Helen explained that there has already been a great deal of interest from students from all parts of the USA, keen to be part of a course that offers an unique opportunity for personal development.

"We hope to be welcoming students from every part of the country,"Helen added. "People have already been in touch, but due to the geographical logistics, we will using technology to help, with prospective students asked to submit a video audition recording of not more than 6 minutes in duration.

We will also be keeping everyone up to date by using a news outlet through 4Barsrest with all stories linked back to our website so everyone can be kept up to date and well informed.

Everyone is so excited about this groundbreaking initiative and we can't wait to welcome the first intake of students."

Registration details

All the details of registration and what is required for the audition process can be obtained at:
https://www.missouriwestern.edu/music/national-youth-brass-band-of-america-camp/