The Brass Band Association of New Zealand has announced the list of successful applicants for its 2013 National Youth Band.

Audition

34 four young musicians have been selected after a taped audition process that required each applicant to play a lyrical work, a major work and a study that had been distributed for the audition.

Amazing

Musical Director, Peter Adams (above) told 4BR: "We were delighted at the calibre of the applicants and were only disappointed that our limited resources did not allow us to accept all players of the expected standard.

However, the excellence of the auditions was such that the 2013 band will continue the amazing musical levels of previous bands."

Tuition

The band will assemble in Pukerau on 25th January, where they will receive tuition from former members of the National Band of New Zealand. The band will give concerts in Roxburgh, Invercargill and Dunedin.

The guest soloist is Byron Newton, the former principal euphonium player of the Tredegar Band, who has returned home following the completion of his Masters Degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

the excellence of the auditions was such that the 2013 band will continue the amazing musical levels of previous bandsMD, Peter Adams

Best bands

A former member of the National Youth Band, Byron is looking forward to passing on his expertise and performing with the band.

He added: "The band will play music that is often only seen in the libraries of our very best bands. The music comes from all musical genres but the featured major work is ‘Saxon’ by New Zealand composer John Psathas, whilst the main solo work comes from New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie."

Arrangements are also underway for conductor Dr Robert Childs, who has recently been appointed MD of the National Band of New Zealand to spend a couple of days with the band members.