Talented young brass and percussion musicians from across the UK are being invited to audition for both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Children's Band.

Registration and booking is now open with auditions taking place at eight centres across the UK during October and November.

They are free to participate in and take around 15 minutes. Candidates perform two contrasting pieces of their own choice, accompanied by scales and a short sight-reading test to one of the NYBBGB's expert tutors.

Opportunity

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Whether taking a first step into national-level music-making with the Children's Band or joining the flagship Youth Band, the NYBBGB offers young musicians the opportunity to challenge themselves, grow in confidence and become part of a national community of talented brass and percussion musicians."

They added: "With the NYBBGB celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2027, successful candidates will join the ensembles during a landmark year — celebrating an extraordinary musical legacy while looking confidently to the future."

Who can audition?

Eligibility is based on a candidate's school year at the time of audition (their school year from 1st September 2026).

The Children's Band is open to brass and percussion musicians in Year 4 to Year 9 (or the Scotland/Northern Ireland equivalent), playing at approximately Grade 5 standard.

The Youth Band is open to brass and percussion musicians in Year 8 to Year 13 (or the Scotland/Northern Ireland equivalent), playing at approximately Grade 8 standard.

Candidates do not need to have passed a Grade 5 or Grade 8 examination — they simply need to be playing at approximately the relevant standard.

Audition dates and locations:

In-person auditions for the 2027 Bands will take place at eight centres across the UK:

Sunday 4th October: Northampton
Saturday 10th October: York
Saturday 17th October: Sidmouth, Devon
Sunday 18th October: Rogerstone, Newport, South Wales
Saturday 31st October: Shipley, West Yorkshire
Sunday 1st November: Salford, Greater Manchester
Sunday 1st November: Glasgow
Saturday 7th November: London

Candidates can view available times and book their preferred audition through the NYBBGB's audition portal4BR

More information:

Candidates can view available times and book their preferred audition through the NYBBGB's audition portal, visit: www.nybbgb.org.uk/join

If a candidate cannot find a suitable in-person date or time through the portal, they can contact the NYBBGB directly through the portal so that we can explore an alternative solution, including the option of an online audition.

Book your audition

Registration and booking are now open, and young musicians, parents and carers are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure their preferred audition location and time.

For full audition information, details of what to prepare and to register and book an audition through The NYBBGB's audition portal, visit: www.nybbgb.org.uk/join