Borders youth development programme goes from strength to strength

The Scottish Borders Brass Band Association’s youth development programme continues to provide young brass and percussion players with fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and passion. 

Twice a year, in March and September, SBBBA hosts a one-day Brass and Percussion Workshop that brings together young musicians at all levels, from beginners just starting out to the region’s most advanced young players. 

The workshops are divided into three groups based on experience:
C Band: For beginners getting their first taste of brass playing within an ensemble
B Band: For intermediate players building confidence and technique
A Band: The Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band (SBYBB) is the most advanced group, where young musicians prepare for competitions and public performances

Since being established in 2009, the SBYBB has become one of the country’s leading youth ensembles. The band has won the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships six times – a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members.

In 2017, the band proudly represented Scotland at the European Youth Brass Band Championships held in Belgium, a major milestone and source of pride for everyone involved. That same year, the band recorded their CD, Starlight, showcasing their musical talents and commitment. 

The SBYBB is currently preparing to return to the Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships on 30 November at Perth Concert Hall under the baton of Alan Fernie.

‘Happily ever after’ summed up a very special, fun day had by all at the Autumn Brass and Percussion Workshop especially as Happily Ever After was one of the pieces performed by the A Band under the baton of Alan Fernie as part of the concert at the end of the day.

The workshop began in the morning with the A and B Bands rehearsing with Alan and Keith Belleville respectively.

The A Band (above) performed pieces including Mission Impossible and The Wilton Park Suite.

Keith put the up-and-coming B Band members through their paces with pieces including Prismatic Light and All Summer Long.

The C Band players (below) began their hard work in the afternoon under the baton of Ryan Borthwick, a former member of the Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band and now studying music at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. This was a great opportunity for Ryan to start his conducting journey.

In addition, a percussion workshop hosted by Sarah Naish from SN Percussion turned into an aerobic workout with Japanese drumming!

SBBBA is indebted to the support of so many with particular thanks to the Weir Trust for its funding. Also a huge thank you to all of the players, for all their enthusiasm on the day and to family and friends who filled the hall at the concert.

The next workshop is planned for Sunday 22 March. A definite date for the diary!