*
banner

National Youth band opens composition competition

The NYBBGB has launched its Composition Competition with the winning entry being performed on the 2023 Summer Course.

NYBBGB
  The winning entry will be on the stands for Summer 2023

Young composers are invited to take part in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Composition Competition.

Entries are now invited for an initiative that aims to encourage new talent through the composition of a new work for brass band of up to 5 minutes in duration.

The closing date is 31st December.

Very important

Speaking about the new competition, CEO, Mark Bromley told 4BR: "A supply of new music is critical to any ensemble, so supporting contemporary composers, particularly young composers, is very important to us.

We are looking for a piece that is innovative, reflects our commitment to inclusivity, and has broad brass band appeal."

Guidance

Giving his insight to what is being looked for, Director of Artistic Planning Dr Robert Childs added: "This initiative is very exciting. My advice to composers is simple: Work to the time limit and carefully read the guidance on our website."

Six works will be selected by Dr. Childs to go into the final round in January 2023. Joining him on the final panel will be Sarah Ionnades, the Youth Band's Guest Conductor for summer 2023, and composer Dorothy Gates.

The winner will receive a £1,000 prize, with the work being performed by the NYBBGB under Sarah Ionnades on the summer course together with an offer from Prima Vista Musikk to also publish the work. The runner up will receive £250.

The winner will receive a £1,000 prize, with the work being performed by the NYBBGB under Sarah Ionnades on the summer course together with an offer from Prima Vista Musikk to also publish the work4BR

Find out more

Criteria for entry is outlined in the rules on the NYBBGB website.

Participants must be aged between 20 to 30. The work is up to 5 minutes in duration, has mass brass band appeal and is technically complex enough for the NYBBGB to perform.

Further information

More information and how to enter the competition can be found at: www.nybbgb.org.uk/composers-competition-2022

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd