The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has announced two major appointments that will shape the future of the organisation.

Cory MD Philip Harper will succeed Dr Robert Childs.as Director of Artistic Planning, whilst internationally renowned conductor Martyn Brabbins has accepted the invitation to become NYBBGB President following in footsteps of the late Elgar Howarth.

Artistic outlook

Philip Harper will formally take his role from Easter 2027, bringing with him an exceptional breadth of experience and personal connection to the organisation.

Away from his achievements on the contest stage, his renowned artistic outlook promises to bring an exciting new era to the NYBBGB organisation as it seeks to build on its success in reaching out to new audiences.

Formative

A former horn player in the NYBBGB, he has been a pioneering advocate for youth development within the banding movement.

Speaking about his forthcoming role he said: "The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was hugely formative in my early musical journey, and it's a genuine honour to return in this new role from Easter 2027.

I have tremendous admiration for the work the NYBBGB does in nurturing young talent and I look forward to contributing to its continued success."

Brabbins new President

The announcement of Martyn Brabbins as the organisation's new President is one that will start with immediate effect.

One of the UK's most respected conductors, he has maintained a strong connection the banding movement — one which he grew up in.

Speaking about accepting the invitation, the Chief Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra of India, stated:
"I'm thrilled to accept this role, especially in following Elgar Howarth, someone who I admired enormously.

My own musical roots are in brass bands, and this appointment feels like coming full circle. The NYBBGB is an institution that is absolutely fundamental. I'm excited to actively support the next generation of young musicians and to help build creative new partnerships across the musical landscape."

It is understood that Brabbins will take on an active and outward-facing role, using his international profile to advocate for the organisation and help build meaningful artistic collaborations.

I have tremendous admiration for the work the NYBBGB does in nurturing young talent and I look forward to contributing to its continued successPhilip Harper

Childs tribute

The NYBBGB also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr Robert Childs, who will retire as the organisation's Director of Artistic Planning at Easter 2027.

His commitment and dedication to the organisation over many years and in different roles has been integral to its success and artistic profile, with NYBBGB Chairperson, John Gillam, stating: "We are immensely grateful to Bob for his dedication to the organisation over five decades. He has not only guided us artistically through one of the most challenging periods in our history but has also played a key role in defining who we are today.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with him until his retirement."

New era

Reflecting on the start of a new era, NYBBGB CEO, Mark Bromley, added: "We're entering another exciting new phase for the NYBBGB. Working with Bob over the past five years has been a real inspiration for me, and I'm equally excited to carry that forward with Philip and Martyn.

Together we all share a passion for inspiring and developing young musicians. The Band is in a very strong place for the future."