60 years may have passed since the National Youth Band of Scotland took to the stage, but its innate sense of musical endeavour has never been in danger of being lost over the intervening decades thanks to the excellent support and organisation of the Scottish Brass Band Association.
That was certainly shown in the week leading up to the series of concerts given by its current personnel; 180 talented youngsters (including the senior band) enjoying focussed tuition, challenging music and plenty of fun as they prepared for their end of course concerts.
Ethos
The ethos of long term transition - eventually leading to a potential place in the senior NYBBS Band is fully understood by the fledgling players; development aimed at a pace that reflects their own emerging ability.
As a result the age range encompasses 9 to 23; some 14 years of potential involvement, and a sustainable reflection of the NYBBS ethos of ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’.
Linked to the support from Creative Scotland, no wonder the future looks rosy. Even the politicians in Holyrood made sure they sent their regards.
To top it all, having Richard Evans conduct ‘Slaidburn’ must have been like getting a visit from a favourite mischievous uncle.
Cracking renditions
The Children’s Band, bursting with eagerness and wide smiles of determination under Gordon Evans MBE, gave cracking renditions of stylistically diverse works; from the clever arrangement of Bach’s famous ‘Toccata’ and Curnow’s ‘Jubilation - A Fantasy on American Spirituals’ to ‘Rock Around the Clock’.
‘Wiggle, Wiggle’ by Alan Fernie was a delight, whilst ‘The King Across the Water’ showed command of warm tonality as well as technique.
To top it all, having Richard Evans conduct ‘Slaidburn’ must have been like getting a visit from a favourite mischievous uncle.
The Reserve Band was also on fine form; John Boax leading them through diverse, demanding repertoire; from the bold march ‘Marchissimo’ and Ben Holling’s ‘The Lake of Tenderness’ to the subtle filigrees of part of Oliver Waespi’s intricate ‘The Graces of Love’.
The fun of ‘Cops & Robbers’ and the upbeat fizz of ‘Come Follow the Band’ led by Richard Evans led to a mature, thoughtful ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ and the evocative musical imagery of ‘Moscow 1941’ by Brian Balmages to close a splendid concert of enthusiasm, endeavour and excellence.
