The 2026 Summer Course of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain took place this year in Taunton under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts, the Principal Director of Music (Army) within the Royal Corps of Army Music.

The assistant conductor was Tommy Tynan, winner of the 2026 NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition, whilst the featured guest soloist was tuba virtuoso Ross Knight.

Theme

The theme for the course was ‘Reduce. Reuse, Recycle’ – one that linked to a very pertinent environmental message, but also celebrated a reimagination of threads and elements of creativity, innovation and interpretation.

Two world premiere were also heard – the first linked to the course theme by Simon Dobson, entitled, ‘MACHINE!’ and the other by NYBBGB President, Martyn Brabbins in homage to his friend and predecessor in the role, Elgar Howarth.

The end of course concert took place at The Forum in Bath.

All images are copyrighted and were taken by March Gascoigne Photography and are pubished on 4BR with his and the NYBBGB's express permission.