Conductors: Alan Fernie and Gary Williams
Strathallan School
Sunday, August 11th

The display of musical enthusiasm by the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland was infectious from the opening moments of their contribution this end-of-course concert in the giant marquee set in the grounds of Strathallan School.

Conductor Alan Fernie curated a carefully considerd programme designed to test, enthuse and inspire his 70 or so young charges from all over the country.

Careful attention

A new work from NYBBS tutor Gareth Bowman, 'Emerging Light',  received its premiere - its energetic opening underpinned by excellent drum kit playing. Inspired by the musical genres of the 16th Century in its three contrasting movements, it saw careful attention to spacing and poise – remarkable in a group of such size and relative inexperience.

it saw careful attention to spacing and poise – remarkable in a group of such size and relative inexperience.

A further premiere followed, this time for NYBBS student composer Henry Dormer, whose 'St Maughold's Church'  was evocative in the musical colours created.

Delicate elegance

The great percussion team enjoyed the spotlight in an arrangement of George Ezra hit 'Green Green Grass',  before attention was turned to one of the major works of the programme, with Eric Ball’s 'Petite Suite de Ballet'.

A staple of the repertoire, the four-movement work presented challenges not least with its shifting keys, but the players responded with gusto and understanding - evident of having clearly invested much time in rehearsals exploring a piece of delicate elegance.

Tutor Gary Williams took the baton in Greenwood’s march 'True and Trusty' for the band's contibution to the celebration of Richard Evans, whose connections with NYBBS spanned more than two decades.

Relished

In a touching moment, Alan Fernie reflected on his own personal connections, selflessly noting that owed his composing and arranging career to him.

The youngsters must have returned to their home bands feeling on top of the world.

Alan’s first arrangement was a version of 'When I’m 64', performed and recorded by Richard himself to great effect. It was relished by the players and the audience, before an engaging concert came to a close with 'Twa Scots Bairnsangs' - complete with hearty singing and the encore of 'Bandstand Boogie'.

Is there a partnership more suited than the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland, and its MD Alan Fernie?

His vision and energy for the next generation of young brass and percussion players knows no bounds. The youngsters must have returned to their home bands feeling on top of the world.

Mark Good