The cream of Scotland's talented young brass and percussion players are putting the final touches to their personal preparations ahead of the forthcoming National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS) residential courses later this month.

Courses and concerts

The courses for National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS), the National Youth Reserve Brass Band of Scotland (NYRBBS) and the National Children's Brass Band of Scotland (NCBBS) will run from Sunday, July 26th until Saturday, August 1st in the picturesque surroundings of Queen Victoria School, Dunblane — and will culminate in two concerts in Dunblane Cathedral.

Conductors and music

All three bands will benefit from an outstanding conducting team. Leading the NYBBS will be Russell Gray, with the band set to rehearse a diverse programme, from Edward Gregson's 'Concerto Grosso' and Malcolm Arnold's 'Little Suite for Brass' to 'Traversada' by Oliver Waespi and Jan Sorensen's 'The Dark Side of the Tale'.

Working with the NYRBBS will be John Boax, with Peter Graham's 'War of the Worlds' set to feature along with the 'Queensferry Suite' by Chris Brown.

Meanwhile, the NCBBS, which continues to flourish, will be conducted by Gordon Evans MBE in a programme which is due to include a new work from the pen of composer and course tutor, Alan Fernie.

Evans returns

Working with all three bands during the course of the week will be NYBBS' Musical Director Emeritus, Richard Evans, who is due to make a welcome return to the organisation he led for more than two decades.

All band members will receive expert tuition from dedicated teams of experienced tutors and music educators, taking part in intensive full and sectional rehearsals. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops, solo competitions and informal concerts during the week of music making.

Jam packed

SBBA President, Carrie Boax, told 4BR: "This year's NYBBS courses will provide a stimulating, jam-packed week of music making for all the students taking part.

With a terrific team of conductors, tutors and house staff on hand, we look forward to welcoming new and existing members, giving them the chance to learn from the best and create musical memories they will carry them for the rest of their lives."

This year's NYBBS courses will provide a stimulating, jam-packed week of music making for all the students taking partSBBA President, Carrie Boax

Concerts

The end of course concerts will take place in Dunblane Cathedral, beginning with an event featuring the NCBBS and the NYRBBS at 5.30pm on August 1st.

It will be followed by a concert featuring the senior NYBBS band at 7.45pm.