*
banner

National Youth rule change to keep one off experience

Brass Bands England has made a temporary rule change for its 2021 Championship event to ensure youngsters do not miss out on a last experience.

Youth
  The temporary amendment will give player another chance to enjoy the competition

Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced a temporary rule change to cover the 2021 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

In light of the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BBE has listened to requests that players who missed out on what would have been their final appearance at the event this year can still have the opportunity to participate in 2021.

Consideration

After careful consideration given the exceptional circumstances it has been agreed that bands that entered the 2020 Championship Section would be allowed to use players up to the age of 19 at the 2021 competition, subject to the following conditions:

1. Bands entered in the 2020 Championship Section must provide the names and dates of births of the players concerned by 30th June 2020. This can be done by emailing an appropriate list to alex@bbe.org.uk (all information will be stored in accordance with BBE's GDPR policy).

2. Only these players will be covered by the temporary exemption.

3. This will apply for one year only and will be dependent on the 2021 Championships running as planned.

4. In order to maintain the competition's ethos, these players must not play a prominent role in the performance.

Discretion

This will be at the discretion of the contest manager and any questions on what this entails should be checked in advance of the contest. In general, this means not playing in principal seats and not playing solo lines where there is the opportunity for a younger player to play the line.

Speaking about the change, BBE's Partnership & Development Manager, Alex Parker told 4BR: "A major part of our thinking in redesigning the format of the Youth Championships for 2019 was to maximise opportunities for as many young players as possible.

The lowering of the maximum age to 18 was perhaps the most obvious aspect of this, meaning that the 'importing' of players, possibly at conservatoire level, for competitions only, thus depriving regular soloists of the opportunity to shine on the National stage, could no longer happen."

We would like those who contacted us over this important issue and reiterate that we are very happy to consider any constructive suggestions that any stakeholders may have in the futureAlex Parker

Not disadvantaged

He added: "Given the current situation, we would like to make sure that no one from the following year group is similarly disadvantaged and request that, where possible, the players involved do not play a prominent role in bands' performances.

Alex Parker concluded: "We understand there may be some players in other sections who will have been affected by this year's cancellation, but they will obviously still have the opportunity to compete next year and beyond in the category appropriate to their age.

We would like those who contacted us over this important issue and reiterate that we are very happy to consider any constructive suggestions that any stakeholders may have in the future."

Further information:

Any further enquiries concerning these issues can be addressed to Alex at: alex@bbe.org.uk

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd