National Childrens Band of Great Britain

Conductors: Dr Nicholas Childs and John Doyle
The Artrix
Bromsgrove
Saturday 25th July

Apart from a brief heatwave a few weeks ago, warm sunny days have been a rarity this summer, but thankfully, the sun was shining as the sixth National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain course came to a close in Bromsgrove.

Familiar faces

The 60 participants were educated throughout the week by some familiar names that enjoy their involvement with the NCBBGB.  Leading the way was Dr Nicholas Childs and his army of tutors included Brett Baker, John Doyle, Michelle Ibbotson, Katrina Marzella, Owen Farr and Matthew Routley, who were joined for the first time by Claire Allen, Lee Skipsey and Robert Westacott.

In addition House staff looked after the players and made sure they were happy with their surroundings. Being away from home at such a young age can be a daunting experience, but Philip Biggs administered the whole week in fine ‘homely’ style.
 
Stars of the future

The band traditionally unearths future stars, and this was certainly the case this year.  Aged between 8 &14 and with a playing standard no lower than Grade 5 the abilities of the young performers was quite startling.  

Familiar format

The week and the farewell concert had a familiar feel about it. 

There was a new commission, plenty of singing, presentations and awards, but above anything else, tons of fun and enjoyment that enhanced a real camaraderie between all concerned.

One familiar face not present this year was Paul Lovatt-Cooper, but his absence was compensated by his music, and the band opened up with ‘Horizons’. 

Written as a concert opener with the cornets and trombones in fanfare style, there were fine contributions from Principal Cornet, Illiam Quane and Winifred Wood on euphonium.

This year’s commission meanwhile came from the pen of Gavin Higgins, who has  just completed his Masters in Composition at the Royal College of Music in London. 

‘Fanfares and Love Songs’ is an accessible three movement work and whilst the band had been working on the full piece during the course, only the first section was performed on this occasion.  

Plans are in place for it to be performed in its entirety at the RNCM Festival of Brass next January, and with just a snippet heard here, the complete performance will surely make for fascinating listening.

Star soloist

A key component of the Farewell Concert is the inclusion of a guest soloist, and this year, Black Dyke’s David Thornton was the star attraction.

David had been present during the week performing master classes and inspiring the players.  They were in awe – it was as simple as that, as his playing was of an unbelievably high standard throughout.

The second movement of Peter Graham’s euphonium concerto, 'In League With Extraordinary Gentlemen' was delivered with real aplomb – multiphonics included, whilst ‘Neath Dublin Skies’, was given the ‘full monty’ treatment – much to the delight of the young players and listeners alike.

David returned after to the interval to give his final individual contribution – Rossini’s 'Theme and Variations'  - beautiful on the ear and like all great performers, sounding effortless in its execution.

The first half closed with a fine performance of Holst’s ‘Suite in Eb’ and after the interval, the concert recommenced with Eric Osterling’s lively march ‘Thundercrest’.

Gordon Langford’s arrangement of Saint-Saëns ‘Carnival of the Animals’ was great fun (and well played by each section) whilst David Thornton returned to perform ‘The Swan’, where Illiam Quane joined him.

Stand by Doyle

No concert from the band would be complete without some choral singing, and led by John Doyle, Ben E King's ‘Stand By Me’ was sung in precise four part harmony.

To close, it was more music from Peter Graham and ‘Gaelforce’, where credit must go to Cecilia Carlisle (flugel) and Daniel Morgan (euphonium) for their individual contributions.

Then all the players could meet up with family and friends and say their goodbyes to the staff, but not until they rounded things off with favourite of the MD’s, ‘Hello Dolly’ and a chance for some more singing.

Maintain standard

The National Children's Band continues to maintain the standard set since its inception in 2004.  And if you want to find out just how good the current crop are (and they are), they’ll be part of the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival in Manchester on Saturday 5th September.

Malcolm Wood

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