*
banner

Tovey and Smith ready to lead National Youth

Bramwell Tovey and Philip Smith set to lead National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Philip Smith
  The iconic American trumpeter Philip Smith will be featured on this year's National Youth Band course

80 of the most talented young brass and percussion players in the UK will be heading to Harrogate in Yorkshire this weekend to start an intensive week long course as performers on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Concerts

The NYBBGB will be holding its annual summer course between July 30th — August 6th at Harrogate Ladies College, before the residential week will culminate in two concerts held at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington (Friday — August 5th) and Morley Town Hall (Saturday — August 6th.)

The acclaimed Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey will be joined by guest conductor and featured soloist Philip Smith (above), with the former principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic sure to wow the audience.

Repertoire

The finalised concert programme will include Dean Goffin's 'Rhapsody in Brass'; Joseph Turrin's 'Rejoice and be Glad'; Peter Graham's 'Dimensions'; Kevin Norbury's 'Flourish and Dances'; Stephen Bulla's 'Into the Sky'; Shostakovich's 'Folk Dances'; Leroy Anderson's 'Chicken Reel'; T.J Powell's 'The Contestor'; Leslie Condon's 'Celebration'; Steadman-Allen's 'In Quiet Pastures'; Thomas Rive's 'Colne'; Geoff Poulton's 'A Norfolk Summer'; Stephen Bulla's 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'; James Monaco's 'You Made Me Love You'; Gershwin's 'Someone to Watch Over Me'; and Peter Graham's cornet duet 'Quicksilver'.

Open day

The tutors for the popular Open Day (Tuesday 2nd August) include Phillip McCann, Tracy Redfern, Ben Godfrey, Sheona White, Glyn Williams, Chris Stearn, Nick Etheridge and Mark Landon.

The acclaimed Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey will be joined by guest conductor and featured soloist Philip Smith, with the former principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic sure to wow the audience4BR

Privilege

NYBBGB Administrator Philip Biggs told 4BR: "The NYBBGB is one of the country's finest brass ensembles. Being surrounded by the young musicians is a real privilege, which is why I always look forward to the residential courses and the end of course concerts.

The repertoire is always carefully chosen, providing the youngsters with the opportunity to perform music to the highest standard. To have Philip Smith on board is going to be a real privilege for everyone."

Tickets

Tickets for the concerts are available via Philip Biggs on 01223 234090 or by e-mailing philipbiggs@bandstand.demon.co.uk

Both concerts start at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £13 for adults or £11 for concessions.

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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd