Conductors: John Boax, Chris Shanks, Charlie Farren, Gareth Bowman
Strathallan School
Sunday, August 11th

The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Reserve Band serves as the middle tier of the NYBBS family, and this year welcomed more than 60 youngsters to its ranks under conductor John Boax.

Philip Sparke's 'Concert Prelude'  was a fine opener, full of intricate rhythmic material, before the drive of Stuart Johnson’s 'Ceramic City Festival'  was captured to a tee, with the middle of the band particularly relishing the engaging melodies.

Embers reflection

In a programme spanning a wide arc of genres and outlooks, Tom Davoren’s 'Embers' offered a moment of reflection. The gentle introduction gave way to solo cornet playing of great maturity from Charlie Colville as John Boax shaped the piece sensitively with the lead lines rising to the fore.

The gentle introduction gave way to solo cornet playing of great maturity from Charlie Colville as John Boax shaped the piece sensitively with the lead lines rising to the fore.

Jaunty tunes were also apparent in 'Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite', as NYBBS tutor Charlie Farren took the baton, whilst Salvation Army repertoire came in Barrie Gott’s 'Daniel'. An effective arrangement by Gwyn Evans entitled, 'The March Box Set'  allowed the ensemble to tip its cap to former NYBBS conductor Richard Evans, for whom the day was a musical tribute.

Cool focus

Despite the rising temperatures the players retained a cool focus on 'All Creatures Praise'  by Steven Ponsford. Led by Chris Shanks, it drew a level of musical expression in what was one of the highlights of a confidently played programme.

Another poignant moment came 'Apolonia',  penned in memory of former NYBBS and Coalburn Band member Beth Damer.

Another poignant moment came 'Apolonia',  penned in memory of former NYBBS and Coalburn Band member Beth Damer.

Composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper was present to hear the work and addressed the audience, as did Beth’s great banding friend Anna Biggart. It too celebrated a wonderful life, the young players revelling in the rhythmic energy of the score under the direction of NYBBS tutor Gareth Bowman.

Bringing down the curtain was Paul Drury’s arrangement of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' with the driving melodies and moments of reflection played with detailed precision and energised endeavour to bring things to a triumphant close.

Mark Good