*
banner

National Youth look Farr into 2020 future

Ray Farr, Nicholas Childs, Tom Hutchinson and Brett Baker set to inspire the next generation of talent on National Youth and Children's Band courses...

Ray Farr
  Ray Farr will lead the 2020 Easter course

Extensive work has been undertaken by the trustees and management team of the National Youth Band of Great Britain to ensure a smooth transition into a new era for the organisation.

It follows the death in September 2019 of Philip Biggs, its long serving administrator and the appointment of the respected Alun F Williams as the interim administrator.

2020 courses

Details have now been released of the 2020 courses and concerts for both the National Youth and National Children's Bands.

The Easter Course for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will take place between Saturday 4th April and Saturday 11th April at Taunton School in Taunton, Somerset, under the baton of guest conductor Ray Farr and featuring guest soloist, Tom Hutchinson, principal cornet of Cory Band.

The concert performances will take place on Friday 10th April, at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-super-Mare (7.00pm) and the following day Saturday 11th April at the Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff (7.00pm)

National Children's Band

It has also been confirmed that the Summer Course for the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain will take place from Sunday 19th July and Friday 24th July at Repton School, Repton, Derby under the direction of Music Director Prof Nicholas Childs.

The popular afternoon course concert will also take place at the school on Friday 24th July, Repton School, and will feature guest soloist, Brett Baker.

We are determined to carry on the inspirational outlook of the National Youth and National Children's BandsInterim Administrator, Alun F Williams

Inspirational outlook

Speaking to 4BR, Alun F Williams said: "We are determined to carry on the inspirational outlook of the National Youth and National Children's Bands.

We are therefore delighted to be able to welcome Ray Farr, Tom Hutchinson and Brett Baker to leading roles this year and with a wonderful selection of music and a superb team of tutors and house staff ready to be announced soon, we are confident that we will provide talented youngsters from all parts of the UK with an outstanding musical experience."

Find out more

To find out more about the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, go to:
https://www.nybbgb.com/

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    


Childs

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Prof Nicholas Childs

January 22 • We find out more about the programme of music from this world and beyond to be featured on Saturday evening at the RNCM from the Queensbury band and Galactico soloists.


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


HYDE BAND

January 22 • WE HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES (POSITIONS NEGOTIABLE) Come and join our friendly First Section Band based in the New forest, and enjoy working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contest.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd