*
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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd