The 80-strong National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) — made up of some of the finest young talented brass and percussion players in the UK aged 12 to 18, is getting ready for its week long residential course at Taunton School in Somerset.

World class

Starting on 13th April, the players will benefit from the expertise of a world class line up of tutors – all under the command of Bramwell Tovey (above).

The week culminates in concerts at the Winter Gardens in Weston Super Mare on April 19th and Cheltenham Town Hall the following day, where the featured soloist will be Dudley Bright, the principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Tutors John Berryman (cornet), Ben Godfrey (cornet), Sheona White (tenor horn and flugel), David Childs (euphonium), Roger Argente (trombone), Nick Etheridge (tubas) and Mark Landon (percussion) will be putting the players through their paces on an eclectic selection of repertoire.

Looking forward

Dr Robert Childs, the Chairman of the NYBBGB told 4BR: "We are hugely looking forward to performing in the area once more.

The band features some of the future stars of the brass and percussion world, and with Bramwell Tovey leading the musical charge, expect the unexpected."

Open Day

Meanwhile, the band offers a warm welcome to young brass and percussion players and their teachers, who are invited to a free Open Day to be held on Tuesday April 15th.

Youngsters who attend receive coaching from the band's expert team of tutors and will be given the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with Bramwell Tovey and listen to the band rehearse.

Lunch is provided and there will also be the opportunity for those who attend to audition for the band too.

The Open Day promises to be a great opportunity for youngsters from all over the country to get a taste of performing alongside some of the country’s most exciting young musiciansNYBBGB

Great opportunity

Philip Biggs, the Administrator of the NYBBGB told 4BR: "The Open Day promises to be a great opportunity for youngsters from all over the country to get a taste of performing alongside some of the country’s most exciting young musicians.

For the first time ever, we are also inviting teachers to attend as well. For those of you who have never come across the band before, it is 80-strong, with entry by audition only and is recognised as one of the leading brass ensembles in the country."

Tickets:

Tickets for the concerts are available priced £12 each and concessions are £10. Tickets are available via philipbiggs@bandstand.demon.co.uk