*
banner

Gray accepts MD role at National Youth Brass Band of Scotland

Russell Gray has been appointed the new Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Russell Gray in action
 

The Scottish Brass Band Association has announced that Russell Gray has been appointed as the new Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Long association

Russell has already enjoyed a long association with NYBBS, having joined as a young player in 1982, after which he became the band’s principal cornet for 9 years.

He later became a valued member of the tutor team and this year, at the invitation of Richard Evans, Russell participated in the 2013 NYBBS Summer Courses as Guest Conductor.

International reputation

Working with all three NYBBS bands, he conducted select items at the closing concert in Perth Concert Hall, including a joint performance of Elgar Howarth’s ‘Zurich March’ with the National Children’s Band and National Youth Reserve Band, as well as leading the NYBBS senior band on the demanding Peter Meechan composition, ‘The Legend of King Arthur’.

With an international reputation as both a soloist and conductor, he graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2007 with distinction for his Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting — later becoming Principal Conductor of the Cambrian Orchestra at St Giles.

Conducting roles

His has also held leading conducting positions with the National Youth Band of Switzerland and Queensland Youth Band in Australia, and earlier this year was appointed Musical Director of the 2014 European Youth Brass Band.

Delighted

Russell commented: "I’m delighted to accept this position. I have enjoyed a long relationship with the NYBBS organisation and now look forward to my time as Musical Director.

I am honoured to follow on from Richard Evans, who has been an inspiration not just to me but so many others."

I’m delighted to accept this position. I have enjoyed a long relationship with the NYBBS organisation and now look forward to my time as Musical DirectorRussell Gray

Benefit

George Burt, President of SBBA added: "We are very proud to welcome Russell Gray as Musical Director to the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and, as was clearly demonstrated during the 2013 NYBBS courses, his involvement with the organization will enable the members to greatly benefit from his wide musical experience as both a conductor and player."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd