On the eve of the recent Northern Ireland Brass Band League annual own choice contest, young players from Strabane and beyond formed for a unique concert in the Alley Theatre as part of the North West Music Festival.

Highlight

The main highlight was the first performance of the fledgling North West Youth Brass Band conducted by Huw Thomas. The aim of the NWYBB is to promote and raise the standard of brass playing across the province and is the brainchild of local brass enthusiast and member of St. Joseph’s Band, Tommy Barr.

Huw told 4BR: "Tommy’s tireless enthusiasm and commitment is unparalleled, and although the ensemble is in its infancy there are already signs of huge potential amongst its young members."

Assisting

Assisting Huw and Tommy was conductor/composer Brendan Breslin, who as well as being Assistant Conductor is responsible for workshops and sectionals within the framework of the group.

The concert was a product of the previous weekend’s rehearsals, where intensive work was undertaken on the concert programme. The event also featured the emerging Letterbrean Band from Fermanagh under conductor Stephen Crooks.

Stephen is a member of the NWYBB and is currently a student at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Letterbrean recently won their section at the Valley Entertainment Contest and performed their winning programme.

The entire concert was a great success and the future of banding in Northern Ireland is looking stronger than everHuw Thomas

Performances

One of the highlights was the first ever public performance by Team Brass, the brainchild of Ciaran Simpson, a soprano cornet player with St. Joseph’s Band.

This new group consisted of 36 cornet players, all of which are primary school age and the sound that was being produced was a testament to both Ciaran and Amanda McGinleys hard work.

Stealing the show

Huw told 4BR: "Apart from nearly stealing the show, the potential shown by all the youngsters means the future of the NWYBB is in good hands."

The band was also joined by Harmoniemusik brass quintet in a joint performance of the ‘Irish Blessing’, ‘The Muppet Show’ and ‘The Great Escape’, whilst the audience was also introduced to some performance art in a unique premier of ‘The Exam’ by the North West Percussion Ensemble.

Great success

Huw concluded: "The entire concert was a great success and the future of banding in Northern Ireland is looking stronger than ever. Watch this space as many more concerts are planned for the future."