*
banner

National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Reserve Band

The middle tier of talent in Scotland shows plenty of musical ambition in the spotlight.



Conductors: John Boax, Chris Shanks, Charlie Farren, Gareth Bowman
Strathallan School
Sunday, August 11th

The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Reserve Band serves as the middle tier of the NYBBS family, and this year welcomed more than 60 youngsters to its ranks under conductor John Boax.

Philip Sparke's 'Concert Prelude'  was a fine opener, full of intricate rhythmic material, before the drive of Stuart Johnson’s 'Ceramic City Festival'  was captured to a tee, with the middle of the band particularly relishing the engaging melodies.

Embers reflection

In a programme spanning a wide arc of genres and outlooks, Tom Davoren’s 'Embers' offered a moment of reflection. The gentle introduction gave way to solo cornet playing of great maturity from Charlie Colville as John Boax shaped the piece sensitively with the lead lines rising to the fore.

The gentle introduction gave way to solo cornet playing of great maturity from Charlie Colville as John Boax shaped the piece sensitively with the lead lines rising to the fore.

Jaunty tunes were also apparent in 'Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite', as NYBBS tutor Charlie Farren took the baton, whilst Salvation Army repertoire came in Barrie Gott’s 'Daniel'. An effective arrangement by Gwyn Evans entitled, 'The March Box Set'  allowed the ensemble to tip its cap to former NYBBS conductor Richard Evans, for whom the day was a musical tribute.

Cool focus

Despite the rising temperatures the players retained a cool focus on 'All Creatures Praise'  by Steven Ponsford. Led by Chris Shanks, it drew a level of musical expression in what was one of the highlights of a confidently played programme.

Another poignant moment came 'Apolonia',  penned in memory of former NYBBS and Coalburn Band member Beth Damer.

Another poignant moment came 'Apolonia',  penned in memory of former NYBBS and Coalburn Band member Beth Damer.

Composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper was present to hear the work and addressed the audience, as did Beth’s great banding friend Anna Biggart. It too celebrated a wonderful life, the young players revelling in the rhythmic energy of the score under the direction of NYBBS tutor Gareth Bowman.

Bringing down the curtain was Paul Drury’s arrangement of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' with the driving melodies and moments of reflection played with detailed precision and energised endeavour to bring things to a triumphant close.

Mark Good

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

July 16 • Could you be our new solo euphonium player? We are a friendly 2nd section band who rehearse weekly on Thursdays in Lewes, East Sussex. Our rehearsals are 8pm - 10pm. Join us on our journey with our newly appointed MD!


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd