The newly founded National Youth Brass Band of America (NYBBA) has announced the launch of its inaugural course.

The first ever National Youth Band in the USA has been founded by the inspirational Fountain City musicians Lee and Helen Harrelson — driving forces in helping make the Kansas City band into the nation's leading brass band organisations.

Prof King

The inaugural course, which will take place in St Joseph, Missouri in June 2019, will give young students the opportunity to explore the brass band genre, led by Prof David King and a team of exceptional tutors.

Founder and Artistic Director Helen Harrelson told 4BR: "This is an exciting time for the youth movement in the USA. We have such a strong team invested in the development of this project and we're thrilled to welcome Prof King as the founding Musical Director.

He brings with him an immense amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that will be fun, inspirational and challenging for the students."

Highest standards

Helen explained that the course will provide the opportunity for young players to perform to the highest standards, improve their musicianship and explore future musical horizons.

Students will also spend time with some of the country's leading performers and educators in lessons, clinics, and sectionals.

She added: "Prof King is one of the world's most prolific brass band advocates, so the course will aim to put the emphasis on the whole student experience — with the best possible training within the genre linked to enhancing each student's musical vision and awareness.

It's also hoped to create a cohesive network to support future youth development and collaboration between established and newly formed organizations."

Course dates

The inaugural course will take place on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 17th-22nd, 2019, and will be open to brass and percussion musicians ages 23 and under.

It's also hoped to create a cohesive network to support future youth development and collaboration between established and newly formed organizationsHelen Harrelson

Tutors

Working alongside Prof King, and Artistic Directors Lee and Helen Harrelson will be Dr. Eric Aho, Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, David Childs, Dr. Joel Mark Collier, Beth Cooper Malovance, Dr. John Falskow, Dr. Nate Gay, Dr. James Gourlay, Jamie Hood, Rosie King, Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, Dr. Joshua Knight, Dr. Matthew Mireles, Dr. Jen Oliverio, Patrick Oliverio, Bona Opatich, Gavin Pritchard, Jesse Rackley, Jessica Sneeringer, Dr. Ryan Sharp, Kevin Stees, Tom Stein, Jena Vangjel, Dr. Matthew Vangjel.

Registration

Registration and audition information will be available at: www.nybba.net in the coming weeks.