A fine day of 60th anniversary celebrations was rounded off with this super concert - one that will have surely inspired the next generation of talented young Scottish performers to enjoy brass band music making for the rest of their lives.

Catalyst

The visit of the world’s number 1 ranked band was the catalyst - also embracing seven hours of section rehearsals, individual tuition and tips from Philip Harper and his record breaking players that was imparted with patience, humour and warmth at Strathallan School prior to the evening event.

Not even another firm sprinkling of unseasonable snow could chill the enthusiasm of the young musicians or the supportive audience in Perth, especially as the musical fruits of a hard day’s work were shown in thrilling fashion as the NYBBS class of 2018 took to the stage under conductors Russell Gray and Richard Evans. 

The warm ensemble sounds and the spotlight individual contributions from the likes of principal cornet Kyle Fitzsimmons and soprano Hannah Oman really stood out, whilst the vibrant percussion and deep tuba timbres were maturely projected, especially in the first half massed-band items which were a glorious combination of youth and experience. ‘Pines of Rome’ almost raised the roof. 

The warm ensemble sounds and the spotlight individual contributions from the likes of principal cornet Kyle Fitzsimmons and soprano Hannah Oman really stood out, whilst the vibrant percussion and deep tuba timbres were maturely projected, especially in the first half massed-band items which were a glorious combination of youth and experience. ‘Pines of Rome’ almost raised the roof. 

All conquering

The second half saw Cory entertain with a fine mix of the serious and sublime; great solo contributions from Tom Hutchinson and Ailsa Russell (a former NYBBS player) neatly positioned between the fizz of ‘Valero’, the engaging curiosity of Andrew Wareham’s award winning, ‘Tarot Tortuous Tarot!’, ‘Gota’, ‘Balkan Dance’ and the all conquering crowd pleaser ‘Star Wars’.

The smiles on the faces of the players and family members alike told you all you needed to know as they trooped back into the cold Perth night. 

The next generation to herald a further 60 years of Scottish banding talent will remember this night for a very long time to come.