The National Children's Band and National Youth Band of Great Britain will be holding their forthcoming residential courses in Derby and Norfolk.

The Children's Band will be based at Repton School in Derby, between 20th & 25th July, whilst the Youth Band will enjoy the surroundings of Wymondham College in Norfolk between 1st & 8th August.

Inspirational

Both bands will once again be led by their inspirational conductors, with Black Dyke's Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs and Bramwell Tovey at the respective helms. Concerts will be held at Repton School and Regent Hall in London.

Guest soloists this year are tenor virtuoso Owen Farr, who will joins the Children's Band, and Derick Kane, the principal euphonium of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, who will perform with the National Youth Band.

Open Day

The National Youth Band will also host one of its innovative free-of-charge open days on 4th August, which enables talented youngsters from across the UK to experience the NYBBGB for themselves.

Open to young brass and percussion players between the ages of 8 and 18, the youngsters (as well as music teachers) will have the opportunity to play with the band, receive coaching from tutors, as well as audition for a place should they wish.

If you are interested then contact: John Maines: johnmaines@btinternet.com

New music

As always there will be plenty of new and classic music to work on with both ensembles as Professor Childs told 4BR: "The Children's Band will enjoy a new work from Jonathan Bates 'The Council of the Gods', a major composition by Kevin Houben 'Lake of the Moon' and the exciting prospect of sharing the stage with one of the world's finest brass soloists, Owen Farr."

Greek deities

'The Council of the Gods' is inspired by four of the mythical Greek deities of Poseidon, Aphrodite, Apollo and Zeus, with the composer telling 4BR that he has tried to, "...maintain a sense of consistency with allowing the members new musical ventures not commonly found in brass band performance, through the use of body percussion, singing and CD sound effects."

Hidden Flame

In contrast, the National Youth Band will perform one of the iconic works of contemporary brass band repertoire — 'Grimethorpe Aria' by Harrison Birtwistle as well as a new premiere from Paul Mealor (above) entitled, 'The Heart of Hidden Flame' inspired by the Scottish non de plume mystic Fiona MacLeod.

I'm thrilled to be working with the fabulous, NYBBGB and the legendary, Bramwell Tovey! Brass is in my blood and I can't wait to hear these talented youngsters bring my music to lifeComposer, Paul Mealor

Thrilled

Mealor, told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to be working with the fabulous, NYBBGB and the legendary, Bramwell Tovey! Brass is in my blood and I can't wait to hear these talented youngsters bring my music to life."

Philip Biggs, Administrator of the NYBBGB added: "We're hugely looking forward to the band returning to London and Suffolk for their two end of course concerts. The band have a number of challenging and demanding pieces on the programme."

Tickets:

Tickets for the NCBBGB concert on 25th July in 400 Hall, Repton School are priced £13 (£11 concessions) and available by calling 01223 234090. Concert starts at 2.30pm

Tickets for the NYBBGB concert on 8th August in Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London are priced £13 (£11 concessions) and are available by calling 01223 234090. Concert starts at 7.30pm.