Is it possible to get too much of a good thing?
Well, yes: And a three and a half hour concert begins to test even the most ardent listener. That said, this summer concert from the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS) had much to applaud with all three tiers clearly relishing the opportunity to perform in the salubrious acoustic of St John’s Kirk in Perth.
Confident
Opening proceedings under Gordon Evans MBE, the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland defied its youthful label by offering a confident performance from the outset in Trevor Sharpe’s ‘Southfield’ overture.
There was an innate confidence throughout, typified by the contributions of principal cornet Olivia Beckett and solo horn Andrew McMillan, who took the awards for ‘Best Student’ and ‘Solo Competition’ winner respectively.
Music from ‘Mary Poppins’ and Alan Fernie’s ‘St Andrew’s Variations’ were neat and well-disciplined, while Leigh Baker’s take on The Rolling Stones’ hit ‘Paint it Black’ ensured the entire kirk was in full voice.
Pace and energy
The Reserve Band, which followed under John Boax, boasted more than 70 players.
It looked and sounded impressive, with opener ‘Cyclone’ receiving just the right amount of pace and urgency in a programme balanced by more serene numbers like ‘Here’s That Rainy Day’ and Derek Bourgeois’ ‘Serenade’. Of particular note was soprano cornet Hannah Oman, whose effortless playing produced a sweet sound with settled intonation throughout.
There were moments when the wider ensemble came unstuck in the lively acoustic, notably in Philip Sparke’s ‘Music for a Festival’, but the band recovered to deliver an account which did much to impress.
Tenor horn Amy Paterson came out on top in the Reserve Band’s solo contest for the second year in a row while tuba player Joe Giegerich received the Brad and Lin Catto award for ‘Best Student’.
18 players were awarded promotion to the senior band for next year’s course - a sign of the organisation’s clear intent.
Revelling
To conclude, the senior NYBBS reprised its Norwegian programme under Russell Gray. The performance featured the Scottish premiere of Paul Mealor’s ‘The Heart of Hidden Flame’ - a joint commission between NYBBS and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
Players clearly revelled in its swirling lines and celtic influences before it gave way to the tranquil ‘Concordi’, by Fredrick Schjelderup. Not even the click-clack of tables and chairs being stacked (yes, really) could disturb the haunting atmosphere.
The aura continued into the ‘Florentiner March’, perhaps unsurprising when the march was conducted by Musical Director Emeritus, Richard Evans, who worked with all three bands during the course of the week.
Presentations were made to cornet player Kyle Fitzsimmons, who triumphed in the band’s solo contest, principal cornet player Rebecca Wilson who won the award for ‘Bets Sudent’ and percussionist Ruaridh Neil, who was named ‘Best Bandsman’ for his contribution to the Norwegian adventure.
Challenge
Clearly, the NYBBS is in rude health - something which could not have been said just a couple of years ago. The challenge for the Scottish Brass Band Association, as acknowledged by President Carrie Boax at the concert is to continue ensuring the flourishing youth setup has every opportunity to succeed.
And come up with an alternative to those ‘uber-long’ concerts.
Andrew Galbraith
