*
banner

There will be a buzz about Manchester in June

The talented youngsters of the Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band will create a musical buzz in the beating hub heart of their city in June.

Macnester
  The talented young performers hope to make a buzz about Manchester in June

The Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band, part of the provision organised by the Greater Manchester Music Education Hub, is to open the prestigious GM Hub Celebration Concert at the Bridgewater Hall in June.

The concert will feature a new composition written for the band by Andrea Price entitled 'Buzz' which reflects on the spirit of Manchester from its industrial past through to its regeneration as a thriving region at the core of the 'Northern Powerhouse'.

Strong

Andrea, who has been the percussion tutor since the band was founded in 2013, told 4BR: "Working with the young musicians of the GMYBB has always been an absolute pleasure.

They are not only incredibly talented performers, but their sense of community and citizenship is extremely strong."

She added: "I was thrilled to be asked to compose the piece and very quickly came up with the word 'Buzz' which has many functions in the context of this piece as well as its strong link to the City of Manchester.

I wanted to capture the spirit of playing a brass instrument, and particularly playing to such a high standard. I hope the young musicians feel the same 'buzz' I do when I hear them perform!"

Connotations

Following the world premiere the band will also perform Edward Gregson's iconic 'Connotations for Brass Band'.

Mark Peacock the GMYBB Musical Director told 4BR: "The aim of our band is to stretch the young players beyond the level of their other youth bands — and 'Connotations' remains such a brilliant aspiring work."

I was thrilled to be asked to compose the piece and very quickly came up with the word 'Buzz' which has many functions in the context of this piece as well as its strong link to the City of ManchesterComposer, Andrea Price

Culmination

The band, made up of over 50 young musicians from the ten music services that make up the GM Music Hub, meet for just three weekends a year at Salford University. The concert is the culmination of their year's work.

The concert will also feature the other hub ensembles String Orchestra (GMYSO). Wind Orchestra (GMYWO), Show Choir (GMYSC) and Jazz Orchestra (GMJO).

Tickets for the concert are available from the Bridgewater Hall.

photo credit Gerard Booth

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd