BBC Radio 2 is once again inviting young brass players to enter its prestigious 'Young Brass Soloist Competition' to find the best young player of 2010.

Open

The competition, which was won this year by 18-year-old trombonist Stephen Sykes, is open to all brass players under the age of 21, of Grade 8 or equivalent standard and who play regularly with a brass band, wind band or orchestra.

Launch

The competition launched on Monday 19th October, and entry will close on Friday 11th December.

The winner will receive a trophy and get an invitation to perform as guest soloist with a top championship brass band and be invited onto Radio 2’s flagship live music programme Friday Night Is Music Night.

I’m delighted that once again Radio 2 is searching for the finest young brass performers from the wealth of talent among the UK’s brass communityBBC Controller, Bob Shennan

3 stages

Stage 1 of the competition will be judged by a panel of BBC experts.

Six players will be selected to take part in Stage 2 at the BBC Studios in Manchester on Saturday 30th January 2010 where they will record up to 10 minutes of music with a championship standard band.

Two judges will then select four performers to go through to Stage 3, the Grand Final, which takes place on Saturday 20th February 2010 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Competitors will be accompanied by the Black Dyke Band and will perform in front of an audience.

Information

Information on how to get tickets to the Final will be available at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2

Talent

Bob Shennan, Controller BBC Radio 2, told 4BR: "I’m delighted that once again Radio 2 is searching for the finest young brass performers from the wealth of talent among the UK’s brass community."

He added: "Through this competition Radio 2 is continuing its on-going commitment to showcasing music at a grass-roots level, as well as giving these gifted young musicians a platform on which to perform."

The final

The Final can be heard on BBC Radio 2 on Friday 26th February 2010.

For further information and application forms, go to bbc.co.uk/radio2 or call the Radio 2 audience line on 03700 100 200.