The three bands that make up the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland organisation enthralled audiences in the famous golfing town of St Andrews on the weekend.

Trio

A trio of concerts took place amid the wonderful surroundings of the Younger Hall, starting with the fledgling talents of the Children’s Band of NYBBS, followed by the Reserve Band and the senior National Youth Band.

The event marked the culmination of a week-long residential music course held at St Andrews University, attended by over 160 of the best young brass and percussion players in the country aged between 9 and 21.

Enthusiastic

An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a plethora of music from banding classics to pop and film music, including a demonstration of the singing techniques learned from the visiting tutors of the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS).

There was also a work incorporating the hall’s magnificent organ, and a chance to see one of Scotland’s emerging conducting talents in action, as Eoin Tonner, who had been mentored by Bramwell Tovey during the week, led the Senior band in a performance of Gilbert Vinter’s ‘Variations on a Ninth’.

Awards

The highly competitive course awards of ‘Best Student’ and ‘Best Soloist’ in each of the bands went to Euan Lumsden & Archie McVicar; Maddie Pullan & Harry Marshall, and Rachel Neil & Kenneth Brown respectively, with the NYBBS ‘Phillip McCann Award’ claimed by cornet player Gregory Chaplain.

The Children's Band, conducted by Gordon Evans, and Reserve Band of NYBBS, conducted by John Boax, launched the celebration concerts with an eclectic mix of items, with the finalé bringing both together for the lively samba number, ‘Festiva Brazilia’, which certainly got the audience on its feet!

An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a plethora of music from banding classics to pop and film music, including a demonstration of the singing techniques learned from the visiting tutors of the National Youth Choir of Scotland4BR

Variety

Directed by Richard Evans, the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland had just returned from their acclaimed guest performance at the Aberdeen International Youth Music Festival, and delighted the audience with a rich variety of music making.

Graeme Stevenson, Director of Music at the University of Dundee, took to the seat of the hall’s magnificent organ to help things along in the famous Finalé from Saint-Saen's 3rd Symphony, whilst the day concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Stars and Stripes’, which elicited enthusiastic applause from a thoroughly entertained audience.

Plans

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) was also pleased to welcome special guest Craig Buchan, Managing Director of Geneva Instruments, one of SBBA’s new sponsors, whilst it was revealed that plans are already in hand for next year’s course.