*
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    


podcast

4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

October 29 • Leicester Co-op Band are inviting applications for SOLO HORN & SOPRANO CORNET. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests, concerts, and community events, always striving for high musical standards in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.


Linthwaite Band

October 29 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band, and recently achieved 3rd place at Rochdale contest, and have a busy schedule on lead up to Christmas, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable)


Garforth Brass

October 29 • Garforth Brass are looking for a second euphonium to join our friendly 3rd Section band. We rehearse on a Wednesday evening at Garforth Methodist Church, Church Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1NW from 7.30-9.15pm. We are easily accessible from the A1 and M1.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd