NYBBS prestigious concert programmes in July

THE National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) will perform at one of Scotland's popular venues, Edinburgh’s Ross Bandstand, Princess Street Gardens on the afternoon of Wednesday 24th July from 2-4  as part of the 61st annual summer residential course at Strathallan School.

A packed programme of rehearsals, concerts and social activities awaits the 174 young musicians who will arrive at Strathallan School in Perthshire on Sunday July 21 for a week of music making.

During the week young musicians will work with a host of experienced tutors and a team of expert conductors.

Leading the senior NYBBS band this year will be Ian Porthouse and conductor emeritus Richard Evans.

Richard said: I'm just about keeping my happiness in check preparing for our week of making music.

“I feel the standard of music performance, personal behaviour, respect for everything and a happy time with our friends will be the very highest.”

Ian said: 'I can safely say that I'm looking forward to my first NYBBS summer course immensely. After the progress made at Easter I have very high hopes for what we can all achieve.

“Its an extra special one for me as Richard will be taking the helm for the end of course concert with the senior band, something I know the students and audience will relish.

SBBA education officer John Boax will once again be leading the reserve band at the NYBSS summer course.

He said: "Having been involved for more than 30 years with the NYBBS organisation the summer course is still a most enjoyable and inspirational week, where the young brass players and enthusiastic staff continue to raise the bar."

And joining the conducting team this year to lead the children's band is renowned composer and conductor Alan Fernie.

He said: "It is such an honour to be the new musical director of the National Children's band, and I cannot wait to start working with them, and our gifted and dedicated tutors at Strathallan.

“The potential this young group possess is limitless, and they are a shining endorsement of music education in Scotland today. It's going to be a great week.”

Each band will prepare a selection of pieces to include in their concert programmes, building towards the end of course concerts taking place at Strathallan School chapel and Stirling's Albert Halls on Saturday July 27.

And on Wednesday July 24 NYBBS will perform at Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh, while the children's and reserve bands have a concert scheduled at Forgandenny Village Hall later the same day.

Meanwhile, presentations for the third annual Young Composer's Award will also take place during the end of course concerts in Stirling’s Albert Hall.

Entrants this year were asked to compose a piece for a solo instrument and band, and the winner will have their work performed at the NYBBS Easter course next year.

Alan, who has been involved with the Young Composer's Award since its inception, said: "The standard of entry in this competition is steadily improving over the last three or so years that I've been fortunate enough to be involved in, and the three finalists have shown great potential in their contrasting pieces.

“What bands in Scotland must now do is to play and programme these young composers, giving them absolutely invaluable practical experience in writing for brass band.

“There is no greater learning outcome than hearing what a bandsman thinks!"

The children's band concert at Strathallan School theatre will operate on an “honesty box” policy with all donations welcome.

Tickets for the NYBBS senior and reserve band concert are available now at www.jumblebee.co.uk/nybbs2019.

Commemorative programmes, raffle tickets and a selection of NYBBS merchandise will be available at both concerts.