Children’s band success in Trinity Arts Award scheme at NYBBS summer course

During the week-long National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) summer course in August, the Children's band not only developed their musical skills under expert tuition but also successfully completed the Trinity College London Discover Arts Award programme. 

As part of this scheme, the young musicians explored various art forms and researched the work of former NYBBS conductor emeritus, the late Richard Evans.

This year's Arts Award programme – designed and planned by Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) trained Trinity College arts advisers Gareth Bowman, Carole Ednie and Hayley Dickson – provided a valuable supplement to the course’s musical focus. Carole and Hayley facilitated the arts award activities during the course, and plans are underway for next year's course and potential advancement to the next award level.

SBBA president Carrie Boax commented that the Children’s band had worked really well together in learning about the arts, conducting interviews and researching Mr Evans. 

“They found out all about his musical training, career and extensive work with NYBBS,” she said. “During the interviews, powerful words and memories were shared, giving an insight into how much Mr Evans contributed to the brass band movement and the NYBBS family.

“A recurring tribute that emerged was how he motivated and inspired everyone who worked with him and the fact that he made time for everyone.”

The NYBBS course is supported with funding from Creative Scotland through the Youth Music Initiative.

Carrie added that SBBA is looking forward to developing this collaborative working with Trinity College London to offer more opportunities for Scottish brass band members and NYBBS players to grow and celebrate their achievements.

Arts Award certificates will be presented to Children’s band members at the Scottish Youth Band Championships on 23 November in the Perth Concert Hall foyer at various times during the event.

Further details will be issued in due course. For those unable to attend, certificates will be posted out afterwards.

SBBA is pleased to welcome JJ Wheeler, National Development Manager at Trinity College London, to the Youth Band Championships and he will assist in presenting certificates and provide information about Trinity College Music Exams, including the new brass syllabus.