National Childrens Brass Band of Great Britain

Conductors: Dr Nicholas Childs, Dr Bramwell Tovey, Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Guest Soloist: Joseph Cook
The Artrix Centre, Bromsgrove
Saturday 2nd August

We live in a world now when hardly a day goes by without the media picking up on the negative side of young people getting up to mischief and not doing something positive with their lives.
 
This concert by the National Childrens Brass Band of Great Britain however was living proof that their is plenty to shout about for the youth of today - it just needs greater publicity outside of the brass banding fraternity.
 
Inspiration

The whole week was one of inspiration, countless memorable moments and building friendships. It’s a week everyone involved will long remember, as being part of the National Childrens Band is a hugely rewarding experience. Those stories of the week had to be put on hold though as this concert had to completed first.  

Under the direction of Dr Nicholas Childs, a well balanced programme had been chosen including going into the library of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for their first piece, Gustav Holst's, ‘Second Suite in F’.  
 
With around 50 players on stage, everyone held their breathe in anticipation, but no-one needed have worried as the sound of the band and the concentration of the players was superb.
 
Cracker

Whilst playing new music that they've never seen before is challenging enough, playing a piece of music that has never been performed before is an even bigger one - and that's what the performers had the opportunity to do with Philip Wilby's ‘Psalms and Alleluias’.
 
This specially commissioned work was a cracker which in just over ten minutes had created a real melodic as well as technical challenge.  There was the feel of a test piece about it, and although it did include a part for piano,  (on this occasion played by John Doyle) it was a real compact brass banding tour de force.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed its challenges, and I suspect you'll hear more of ‘Psalms and Alleluias’ in the near future.
 
Solo spots

The guest soloist for the concert was Black Dyke's Eb Bass star, Joseph Cook.  Joe spoke of how privileged he was to be part of the course, whilst it was obvious the young players thoroughly enjoyed his engaging personality throughout the week.

 For his solo spots, Joe chose three contrasting works.  Firstly, Rodney Newton's ‘Cappricio’, the old favourite, ‘Czardas’ and ‘Fnugg’ arranged by Svien H Giske. 

’Fnugg’ is one of those fun pieces that gives the soloist the opportunity to demonstrate their versatility and leave the young players on stage gobsmacked - some of their faces were a real picture!
 
Liberty Bell

Dr Bramwell Tovey had arrived in Bromsgrove to lead the National Youth Brass Band through its course this week, and at the invitation of Dr Childs, Dr Tovey led the band through Sousa's ‘Liberty Bell’ with percussionist Jack Fisher having great fun on the bells.
 
There was plenty of fun to be had with signing too, with, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, leading in true Dick Van Dyke fashion in the Mary Poppins classic, ‘Supercalifraglisticexpialidocious’ - complete with audience participation.
 
It was two more compositions from Paul that rounded the concert off; ‘Solar Eclipse’ and the circus march ‘The Big Top’ – both played with real gusto.
 
Recognition

Throughout the week, there was a real sense of competitive spirit too in the social activities whilst the award as the ‘Best Section of the Week’ went to an extremely delighted percussion section. Recognition was also given to the leader of the band, Michael Smith and Emily Evans whose contribution throughout the week was duly acknowledged.
 
There were also acknowledgements in appreciation from Dr Childs to the tutors and the house staff led by Gary and Monica Walczak - the people who make the players feel at home and ensure the transition from home to the surroundings of Bromsgrove School is a comfortable one.
 
Exceeding expectations

The NCBB continues to meet and exceed the aspirations set by those involved in the organisation since its formation in 2004.

The geographical scope of the band is also widening too with one of the baritone players, Lewan Yazici applying to join via auditions before moving to the United Arab Emirates. 
 
Meanwhile, the band will reconvene in September where it will make its debut at the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival in Manchester. There are plenty here who just can’t wait for that to come around quick enough.

Malcolm Wood

^back to top