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