*
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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Victories for Tyldesley, Middleton and Darwen Brass at Blackpool with just the Championship and Third Section titles remaining to be claimed in Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd