*
banner

NYBBS gain acclaim from a King and a Duke

A memorable National Youth Brass Band of Scotland course came to a close last weekend with Wynton Marsalis and the Duke of Edinburgh on hand to enjoy the music making.

Marsalis
  Carrie Boax and members of the NYBBS Band met Wynton Marsalis in Edinburgh

The week-long National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) summer course recently came to an end with high profile concerts and performances.

The Childrens, Reserve and Senior Bands provided an outstanding concert at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday evening, whilst the following day the Reserve and Senior Bands entertained the huge crowds at the opening events of this year's Edinburgh International Festival.

The King of jazz

That Edinburgh appearance also gained widespread media interest with BBC news reporters on hand to enjoy the music as well as interview Festival Director Nicola Benedetti who spoke with passionate enthusiasm about the youngsters who took part.

And as an additional highlight a number of the players got to meet her partner, 'The King of Jazz' superstar American trumpet player Wynton Marsalis (above) between their performances in the city's famous Princes Street Gardens.

In addition, there was royalty of a different king on show too with the Duke of Edinburgh in hand to talk to some of the players who performed alongside the Grit Orchestra to the acclaim of the assembled crowds.

Meeting Wynton Marsalis was the icing on the cake though — and he also said just how impressed he was with the playing too!Carrie Boax

Wow!

Speaking about the events, SBBA President Carrie Boax told 4BR: "All we can say is wow! The course was a fantastic endorsement of the talent we now have coming through at all levels of Scottish banding, and the performances in Perth and Edinburgh ensured that the widest possible audience enjoyed them too.

Meeting Wynton Marsalis was the icing on the cake though — and he also said just how impressed he was with the playing too!"

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    


Mike Kilroy

Kilroy steps back from BBE role to follow health treatment

September 7 • Mike Kilroy will take a temporary step down as Chairperson of Brass Bands England to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.


Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

September 7 • The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.


Money

British Open Countdown: T minus 5

September 7 • Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

September 7 • There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd