Organisers of the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, the British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) have announced changes to the flagship youth contest which takes place on Sunday 5 April 2009 at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).

Change

Following a disappointing entry in the Schools and Premier Sections in 2008, the BFBB has announced a change in the section gradings in order to balance the number of bands across the sections.

Following a disappointing entry in the Schools and Premier Sections in 2008, the BFBB has announced a change in the section gradings in order to balance the number of bands across the sections4BR

Exciting tests

Once again some exciting tests have been chosen for the bands to tackle and details of the sections are:

Junior Section:
A programme of music to include at least one original work for brass bands.

Intermediate Section:
The Pioneers (Philip Sparke)

Advanced Section:
Skylines (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)

Premier Section:
Quintessance (Robert Redhead)

New category

The BFBB has also announced the creation of a Training Band Category which has the sole intention of encouraging young bands and players to take part in the day’s musical activities.

No prizes or marks will be awarded but the section will have a festival style atmosphere and a trophy presented by the adjudicators for the Band of the Day.

The Training Section is designed for non-established youth bands with players under 16 years of age and it is hoped that bands competing in the Championships will bring along their training bands, regardless of standard or volume of players.

Further details

Further details of the contest can be gained by contacting the BFBB at www.bfbb.co.uk or by contacting Arnold Tattersfield on 01924 507651 or e-mail carol.tattersfield@ntlworld.com