NYBBS class of 2017 shine in Perthshire
2017 has been something of a transitional year for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS). Last year’s trip to Norway was seen by quite a few of the more experienced NYBBS students as a line in the sand, marking the end of their memorable personal youth band journeys on a natural high and, in doing so, paving the way for the next generation of talented young brass musicians from all parts of Scotland.
Not that they would admit it publicly, but it is fair to see that there was a tiny degree of nervousness amongst some on the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) committee with the number of personnel changes in store for this year’s three NYBBS bands. Unfounded nervousness as it turns out, certainly according to the performances on display at both of Saturday’s end-of-course concerts.
Strathallan School chapel was the setting for the NYBBS Children’s Band concert early in the afternoon. The brainchild of Musical Director Gordon Evans, the Children’s Band continues to grow in stature, and indeed quality, the 42 youngsters rounding off their busy week with an excellent display of musicianship. For many, this would be their very first NYBBS experience - one of the younger ‘newbies’ was overheard to have said to a parent: “The music was really hard but we had great fun trying to play it!”
The secret here is to make sure that these less-experienced youngsters are supplemented by a core group around the same age who can lead the way both socially and musically, setting the right example before making the natural step up to the Reserve and Senior bands in due course. It’s an important aspect which Gordon Evans was keen to accentuate, commenting: “The Children’s Band provides a great opportunity for some of the more talented younger ones to show off their abilities. To me, this is far more important than sitting at the bottom end of a cornet, horn or trombone section in one of the ‘bigger’ bands.”
As if to prove the point, the sizeable audience was treated to a fine, confident rendition of La Belle Americaine from cornet player Gregor Koziel. Earlier in the week, Gregor had come second in the solo contest which was won by another budding soloist, tenor horn player Andrew McMillan, whose Higgyjig (Goff Richards) went down a storm with audience and tutors alike.
One of the week’s tutors, Alan Fernie, was responsible for one of the highlights of the Children’s Band’s concert, his Black, Dark and Golden Light played with tremendous verve and style. Two features from the repertoire in all three concerts were, firstly, a fitting tribute to the late, great Bruce Fraser and, secondly, the inclusion of a world premiere from another resident tutor, Paul Lovatt-Cooper (PLC). The youngsters made fine jobs of Fraser’s Toccata and Carribean Holiday before matching the conductor’s energy as ‘PLC’ guided the Children’s Band through his own Slam Dunk with typical drive and panache.
Paul Lovatt-Cooper and 'Slam Dunk'
Caroline Farren conducted a beautifully balanced quintet through 3 Jazz Pieces (James Harper) while the inimitable Richard Evans demonstrated the skills required in controlled hymn playing, the band responding brilliantly.
The percussion team of Scott Crumlish and Finlay Damer made a significant enough impression on conductor and tutors to win the new ‘Best Section/Team’ award while the NYBBLETS Award presented to the week’s best student went to trombone player Vinnie Brown from Forfar. SBBA President Carrie Boax thanked everyone involved for their contributions before reminding parents to collect their exhausted but happy children.
Included in Carrie’s thanks for contributions to all three bands throughout the week included a star-studded line-up of tutors. While the contributions of the regular, ‘well-kent’ tutors and pastoral team deservedly did not go unmentioned, it would have been difficult for all this year’s NYBBS students not to have picked up additional hints and tips from the likes of Helen and Glyn Williams, Richard and Lesley Poole, Nick Hudson, Simon Gresswell and Mark Landon, not to mention the influence of Paul Lovatt-Cooper and euphonium virtuoso David Childs. With the additional experience of conductors Gordon Evans, John Boax, Richard Evans and Russell Gray, it is easy to see how quick progress can be made with a willing group of students.
The evening concert saw a crowd in excess of 300 converge on St. John’s Kirk in Perth Town Centre as the Reserve and Senior Bands showcased their weeks work. Speaking with a number of students and staff throughout the course of the day, it was obvious that the week had been a most enjoyable one, packed with activities, sufficient ‘down’ time and high quality sectionals and rehearsals. It showed in the playing too, both bands playing with a high level of commitment and no little quality.
John Boax conducted the bulk of the Reserve Band’s contribution to the concert with PLC stepping in to conduct another world premiere, Overdrive – another hit with the players. The programme included a beautifully played The Spirit Within by Ben Hollings, featuring the accompanying video by sand artist Colette Dedyn which had been recorded at the European Brass Band Championships in Oostend earlier this year. Other highlights included Darren Shaw’s Guardian of my Soul and Alan Fernie’s arrangement of Eleanor Rigby.
There was lots of confident playing around the stands in what was an almost entirely new band. MD and SBBA Education Officer John Boax commented: “It has been a challenging week but, without doubt, a very rewarding one. The band worked so hard throughout the week and they have made giant strides in a very short space of time.” The Reserve Band solo contest was won by euphonium player Thomas Brydon from the Scottish Borders Youth Band while the flugel and tenor horns were awarded the Best Team prize. There must be something in the water up in Forfar as Andrew Buchan joined Vinnie Brown in being awarded Best Student for the Reserve Band. Finally, it was announced that three players, Ross Manning, Samuel Duzinkewycz and Euan Court would automatically be promoted to the NYBBS Senior Band in 2018.
Flugel and tenor horns win 'Best Team' in Reserve Band
Russell Gray’s association with NYBBS now runs at over 30 years but the Summer Course continues to be a week which he looks forward to each year as much as any other event in his busy calendar of events. The commitment and energy, not to mention the immaculate conducting style, which Russell brings to the annual event ensures that the NYBBS Senior Band is always challenged musically and, although again there were several changes in the composition of the personnel, Russell demanded a high level of playing from each and every section of the band.
Senior Band bathed in brief Scottish sunshine
There were impressive contributions, especially from the lower brass, during Kenneth Hesketh’s difficult Masque while other highlights included Wilfred Heaton’s The Golden Pen and excerpts from Bruce Fraser’s Forth Suite. There were some great solo performances in Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Jubilance, especially from baritone soloist Carole Ednie who had won the Senior Band’s solo contest earlier in the week. Another player who stood out during the evening was Campbeltown’s Owen Pickering on bass trombone, his rich, warm sound providing great depth in a well-balanced trombone section which evidenced the benefit of having Nick Hudson around all week.
Senior Band Solo champion Carole Ednie
Owen was presented with the Best Student award, a popular decision amongst his fellow ‘banders’. The Best Cornet prize for the week went to Harry Marshall while the percussion section was presented with the Best Team award. Perhaps the finest ensemble playing of the evening was left until last, Peter Graham’s Seize the Day and Dan Price’s Starburst bringing out some excellent moments of musicianship and section playing.
SBBA President Carrie Boax summed up her feelings at the end of an intense course and a non-stop performance day by commenting: “We are thrilled at the level all three bands have achieved this week. The kids have worked extremely hard and have responded magnificently to the great work done by all tutors, house staff and conductors. We continue to be proud of everyone connected with the NYBBS family and look forward to more successful courses and concerts like this. We have great people involved at NYBBS, all of whom help to create great memories for all involved.”
