*
banner

Scottish Youth ready for Loony Dook

Scotland's finest young brass band talent is enjoying their Easter Course in Stirling this week — ready to experience an icy dook too...

NYBBS
 

Young brass and percussion players from all corners of Scotland are currently gathering in Stirling for the Easter course of the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS).

Organised by the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), the residential course runs until April 9th, culminating in a concert at the historic Stirling Castle.

Workshop

Members of the Senior and Reserve NYBBS will work with conductors Russell Gray, John Boax and Gordon Evans, as well as enjoying a workshop from Scottish composer Chris Brown.

The Reserve Band will also rehearsing his work, ‘The Loony Dook’, inspired by, “...those hardy individuals who brave the icy waters of the Forth for a ‘dook’ (a swim) on New Year’s Day.”

Thrive

Reserve Band MD John Boax told 4BR: “This is the first time that I’ve been involved in the NYBBS Easter course and I’m really looking forward to meeting the band.

For young payers to work alongside the senior NYBBS and Russell Gray is such a positive step forward.

I’m sure all the players will thrive during several days of intensive rehearsals followed by what promises to be a great concert in the spectacular setting of Stirling Castle.”

I’m sure all the players will thrive during several days of intensive rehearsals followed by what promises to be a great concert in the spectacular setting of Stirling CastleJohn Boax

Concert finale

The NYBBS Easter course concert takes place on Thursday April 9th at 1.30pm. Entry to the concert is via entry to the castle.

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


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd