*
banner

National Youth to triumph on ballet and time

Major works by Gavin Higgins, Peter Graham and Gareth Wood will challenge the talented players of the Easter Course of the National Youth Band of Great Britain.

dARK
  The score to the 'Dark Arteries' ballet by Gavin Higgins will be performed

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has unveiled the repertoire for its forthcoming Easter course.

It follows the announcement of the partnership between the NYBBGB and the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS), and the details of the 2021 season, which due to the ongoing pandemic, will be a mix of virtual and physical performances and educational opportunities.

Challenging programme

Guest Conductor Ian Porthouse has chosen a challenging selection of works that will include Peter Graham's 'Triumph of Time', Gavin Higgins' ballet suite, 'Dark Arteries' and Gareth Wood's 'Brass Triumphant'.

The latter will be recorded for use in the NYBBGB Easter Gala Concert, which is due to be broadcast on 21st April. Ian will also deliver a masterclass to the members on programming.

Ian speaks about his connection to the National Youth Band at: https://vimeo.com/513938907

Guest soloist

Ian will be joined by guest soloist, cornet star and principal cornet of the Cory Band, Tom Hutchinson, who will perform a virtual recital. Featuring music by Oskar Böhme, Joy Webb, James Curnow and Harry James, he will be accompanied by pianist Chris Williams.

Tom will also perform in the virtual Gala Concert a few weeks later accompanied by members of the NYBBGB.

His programme will feature James Curnow's 'Concertpiece', Hayden Wood's 'A Brown Bird Singing' and Clarence Williams' 'Sugar Blues'.

Exciting

Speaking about the course, Dr Robert Childs, the NYBBGB's Director of Artistic Planning told 4BR: "The forthcoming Easter course promises to be truly exciting, with some really major works programmed for the band.

The combination of Ian Porthouse and Tom Hutchinson promises to be a fantastic musical partnership, one that will really inspire the youngsters to go on to greater things."

Ian Porthouse has chosen a challenging selection of works that will include Peter Graham's 'Triumph of Time', Gavin Higgins' ballet suite, 'Dark Arteries' and Gareth Wood's 'Brass Triumphant'4BR

Easter Course

The Easter Course is due to be held between 4th and 9th April.

Subject to appropriate government guidance, the NYBBGB Youth Band is looking to hold a blended virtual/physical Easter Course which will see the band split into three smaller ensembles playing live at Chetham's School of Music (Manchester), Malvern College (Worcestershire) and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

More information

Search for the NYBBGB (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nybbgb.org.uk to keep up to date.

Image copyright: 4BR

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    


UniBrass

Work starts for UniBrass 2026

April 17 • The UniBrass Championships will return to Cardiff in 2026 — with the fund raising work starting in June


Australian Nationals

Bands prepare for Australian National Championships

April 17 • There will be titles to be won in Melbourne over the weekend as the Australian National Championships take pace in Kew.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan heads to Queensbury

April 17 • Tommy Tynan moves from Cory to Black Dyke Band with immediate effect.


Brass at the Castle

BBE helps boost Arts Council funding success for Brass at the Castle

April 16 • The expertise of Brass Bands England's Beth Lambert has helped a great project gain Arts Council grant funding


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Alder Valley Brass

April 16 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section (L&SC, National finalists 2023) band with an ongoing blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10 on Mon and Thur in Farnham Surrey


Alder Valley Brass

April 15 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an. ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section (L&SC, National finalists. 2023) band with an ongoing blend of engagements, concerts and. contests. We rehearse 8-10 on Mon and Thur in. Farnham Surrey


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

April 14 • LGB Brass are recruiting for a new Musical Director to join our thriving and aspirational organisation and take us onto the next stage of our musical journey. We are a 2nd section contesting band with a varied calendar of concerts and events.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd