If you want to enjoy a great afternoon of musical entertainment, and you are within driving distance of Repton in Derbyshire, then why not make a detour to Repton School this afternoon (Friday 28th July) for a cracking concert given by the National Children's Band of Great Britain.

Great programme

The 60 strong ensemble will be led by Black Dyke's Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, with Manger Mussiklag's virtuoso tuba player, Jo Cook as guest soloist.

He will perform 'On The Run' by Fredrick Schjelderup and 'Cyrano' by Philip Wilby, whilst the band has a great programme, with music as diverse as Eric Ball's lovely 'La Petit Suite de Ballet' to Simon Dobson's 'Firefly' with a bit of PLC, Fernie, Hazo and Zequinha de Abreu for extra good measure.

The concert starts at 2.30pm at Repton School's 400 Hall on Friday 28th July (Willington Rd, Repton, Derby DE65 6FH)

National Youth get together

Meanwhile, the elder siblings of the National Youth Band of Great Britain will be getting together at Repton School for their course under Bramwell Tovey and Fairey MD Garry Cutt, with a substantial programme of repertoire to work on.

Garry will be leading the preparation work before Bramwell Tovey arrives, and told 4BR that he is looking forward to renewing his link to the band where he was Associate Conductor from 2000 and 2005 with Elgar Howarth.

"It's great to be back working with the cream of the UKs musical talent," he said.

This year they will feature 'Epic Symphony' (Percy Fletcher), 'John O' Gaunt' (Gilbert Vinter), 'Contest Music' (Wilfred Heaton), 'Remembering Jutland' (Bramwell Tovey), 'The Essence of Time' (Peter Graham), 'Cakewalk' (Debussy arr. Eric Ball) and 'The Submerged Cathedral' (Debussy arr. Howard Snell).

Meanwhile, the featured soloist will be Cory's multiple award-winning euph star Glyn Williams, who will perform Andy Scott's 'Euphonium Concerto', as well as 'Veritas' by Robert Redhead and 'My Favourite Things' from 'The Sound of Music'.

Meanwhile, the elder siblings of the National Youth Band of Great Britain will be getting together at Repton School for their course under Bramwell Tovey, with a substantial programme of repertoire to work on4BR

Excellent facilities

NYBBGB Administrator Philip Biggs, told 4BR: "We've been visiting the excellent Repton School for a number of years with the Children's Band, but this is the first time for the Youth Band."

Tutors for the two bands this year include Owen Farr, John Maines, Matthew Routley, Gary Curtin, Richard Marshall, Tom Hutchinson, Zoe Hancock, Jayne Murrill, Paul Young, Tracey Redfern, Helen Williams, Alisa Russell, Glyn Williams, Christopher Jeans, Nick Etheridge and Andrea Price.

Concerts

The National Youth Band's end of course annual concert will also be at Repton School on Friday 4th August (7.30pm), with the final concert on Saturday 5th August at Nottingham's Albert Hall (7.30pm)