*
banner

Awards round off memorable course for Childrens' Band

The Summer Course of the National Childrens Band of Great Britain came to a memorable conclusion at Well Cathedral on this week.

Shah
  The talented Nayan Shah was principal cornet for a second successive year

The Summer course of the National Childrens Band of Great Britain came to a memorable conclusion this week with their concert amid the historic splendour of Wells Cathedral in Somerset.

The 60 youngsters certainly had a fantastic time, with each day packed with musical and recreational activities.

And whilst around a dozen players made their final appearance with the band this year, it was announced that there were 22 newcomers all enjoying their first taste of the experience — and with the geographical spread of attendees, wider than ever.

Brilliant time

"We have had a brilliant time," MD Russell Gray told the audience. "I count everyone as friends now and it has been amazing to see how they have all developed in the past week."

Russell was tasked with announcing the annual award winners — including the 'Conductor's Award' which goes to the section that had shown "dedication to improvement" throughout the week.

That went to the trombone section — one which included two tenor trombonists who took on the challenge of playing bass trombone parts for the first time, including for their solo feature of 'Blades of Toledo' with guest soloist Karianne Flatene Nilssen.

Uplifting

Speaking to 4BR just before she was taken by taxi to Bristol airport to fly home to Norway, Karianne said that she had found the week to have been an "uplifting" experience.

"It was brilliant," she said. "So many talented young players and such a great atmosphere. I'm really pleased my trombone squad won the prize — as they were all so special. It was so uplifting."

Accolades

Other awards saw principal cornet Nayan Shah (above) acknowledged for being principal cornet for a second successive course. George Hall gained the Betty Anderson Award as principal horn, whilst William Paterson Memorial award for the euphonium went to Rosa Shepherd.

The 'Outstanding Player' accolade, chosen by Russell and his team of tutors to the player who had contributed so much to the band in all aspects during the course, went to Noah Mallinson.

We have had a brilliant time. I count everyone as friends now and it has been amazing to see how they have all developed in the past weekRussell Gray

Support

Earlier CEO Mark Bromley spoke of his pride in what had been achieved during the week — from the inspirational leadership of Russell Gray and his team of tutors to the pastoral staff who provided essential support.

He also thanked supporters of the NYBBGB Bursary Scheme who had enabled them to provide financial assistance of over £11,000 to enable youngsters to attend the annual courses.

He also reminded people that the audition process for the band had been amended to encourage further applications, whilst it was confirmed that the 2023 course will be led by Mareika Gray.

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    


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.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


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


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.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd