The growing success of the long term investment in youth development will be both heard and seen this year on the Summer Course of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

No fewer than 198 young players will head to Strathallan School in the Perthshire village of Forgandenny from Sunday 4th to Sunday 11 August for an intensive week of fun as well as challenging music making.

Trio of bands

72 players will form the Childrens' Band, many of them making what is hoped will be the first of many annual visits as members of three 'National' bands. 65 players will perform in the NYBBS Reserve Band with a further 61 taking to the stage with the NYBBS Senior Band.

Once again the inspirational musical leadership will be led by conductors Ian Porthouse (Senior), John Boax (Reserve) and Alan Fernie (Children) alongside a great team of 35 tutors, pastoral and medical staff.

Fantastic endorsement

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This is another fantastic endorsement of the long term ambitions of the NYBBS organisation and the Scottish Brass Band Association supported by Creative Scotland through its Youth Music Initiative.

It will be a packed week of practice sessions, masterclasses and full band rehearsals alongside the usual mix of 'extra-curricular' events."

This is another fantastic endorsement of the long term ambitions of the NYBBS organisation and the Scottish Brass Band Association supported by Creative Scotland through its Youth Music InitiativeSBBA

Evans celebration

4BR was informed that instead of the traditional end-of-course concert there is to be a 'Brass at the Park' celebration of the musical life and legacy of NYBBS Conductor Emeritus, Richard Evans who passed away in 2022.

The grounds of Strathallan School will be transformed into a huge campus featuring a large marquee in which the NYBBS bands will be joined by special guests Dalmellington Band and Rushen Silver from the Isle of Man, with whom Richard worked for many years.

Global connections

A big band and percussion ensembles from Perth and Kinross Schools will also be taking part, whilst recorded performances from Tokyo City Concert Band in Japan will also be featured.

Brass at the Park is open to the public as well as brass band enthusiasts and supporters and tickets can be obtained at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/scottish-brass-band-association

Donations on the day will go to the British Heart Foundation and towards the setting up of a bursary fund in Richard Evans' name.