Work has already begun to prepare for the Summer Courses of the National Childrens' and National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain.

That's according to NYBBGB Operations Manager Richard Milton after the completion of a second highly successful Easter concert held at the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre in Edgbaston.

Super concert

"Everyone had a great time on the Easter Course followed by a great concert at Stoller Hall in Manchester, so it was nice to have a little break before we all returned here for what was another super concert," he said.

"The work starts now though to prepare for the National Childrens' Band Course at Wymondham College led by Mareika Gray and with guest soloist Simone Rebello at the end of July, and then the Summer Course with Sara Ioannides and Scott Hartmann. The enthusiasm shown on the Easter Course has been infectious though and spurs us all on."

Richard's contribution to the success of the courses was noted by Capt Sam Hairsine, the conductor of His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood who joined the senior band for the concert in Edgbaston.

Huge success

Speaking at the end of the concert he said: "Thanks really go to Richard and his team. I know from past experience how much hard work goes on behind the scenes and the Easter Course and the two concerts have been a huge success in no small part to them."

Richard's last job before he could put his feet up was to load up the music pads before heading home to sort out the logistics for the Summer Course, although he pointed out that his job was made easy thanks to the response of the young players 84 players.

The sense of togetherness and support they all give each other is amazing, and it is a real pleasure to see them mature even in the short space of time they are with usRichard Milton

Proud

"The parents and families can be very proud of them all," he said. "The sense of togetherness and support they all give each other is amazing, and it is a real pleasure to see them mature even in the short space of time they are with us.

Some of the older players will now get together to represent the National Youth Band as Ambassadors in some of our outreach work, so they will be inspiring the next generation of potential members too. That's a mark of their commitment."