Lions Youth Brass, and their MD, Nigel Birch, have announced two new pieces which they are commissioning for the National Youth Championships in Manchester in 2009.

Partnership

The first is to be written by Andy Scott who is the composer in residence with Fodens Band. The Lions Band have been able to forge this partnership with Andy as he lives in Sandbach, and also with the help of John Barber, Principal Trombone with Fodens, who is also Head of Music at Sandbach Boys School, where Lions rehearse.

The band is very excited by these new pieces and are looking forward to seeing the parts in the new yearMD, Nigel Birch

Brother

The second piece is a composition by the band's own composer in residence Ian Raisbeck. Ian is currently playing second man at Wingates and is a former Principal Cornet player of the youth band.

Ian's composition is a new solo for his brother Neil, who plays solo horn in the band, plays solo horn for The Roberts Bakery Band and is a member of The National Youth Brass Band Of Great Britain.

MD, Nigel Birch told 4BR: "The band is very excited by these new pieces and are looking forward to seeing the parts in the new year."