The three bands of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) enthralled the full and enthusiastic audience in Perth with their afternoon ‘Celebration Concert’.  

The performances marked the culmination of a week-long residential course held for each of the bands, involving 130+ young brass and percussion musicians aged 9-22.

Three bands

It featured the National Children’s Band (Gordon Evans), National Youth Reserve Band (John Boax) and the premier level National Youth Band of Scotland (Richard Evans), combining for a wonderful presentation of the progressive levels of youth music being offered through the organisation.

With a varied and exciting programme of music on show, NYBBS also welcomed guest conductor Russell Gray, who had been working with the three bands in sharing his wide conducting and playing experience through a series of master-classes and workshops.  

Guest soloist Les Neish performed ‘Salt of the Earth’ by Andy Scott, whilst Neil Cross, NYBBS Director, provided an effective narration for a presentation of Elgar Howarth’s ‘Fireworks’.

Stunning start

Opening with a stunning fanfare ‘Flying High’ composed by the NYBBS bass trombone player, Josiah Walters, performed from the balcony by members of the senior NYBBS band, the afternoon impressed from the start.  

The Reserve Band led by an inspirational John Boax and Children’s Band directed by a motivational Gordon Evans, provided an eclectic mix of music – classics, originals, arrangements, pop and film music, featuring works by Edward Gregson (‘March Prelude’) and Philip Harper (‘Hymn from Gallimufry Suite’) to John Williams (‘Star Wars’) and Eric Ball ('Indian Summer’). 

Well delivered

With additional well delivered performances of Peter Graham (‘Dimensions’), Alan Fernie (’My Selfe and King’s Hunting Jig’) Malcolm Arnold (‘Siciliano’) and Brian Kelly (‘Provence’) the fine contributions culminated with a breezy account of Elgar Howarth’s ‘Zurich March’.

An enthusiastic audience clearly enjoyed themselves and brought a fantastic atmosphere to the concert, which opened after the break with the National Youth Band led by the inimitable Richard Evans.  

Attention grabber

Carl Orff’s fanfare from ‘Carmina Burana’ grabbed their attention before we heard an impressive rendition of Howarth’s ‘Fireworks’ and a stunning performance from Les Neish on ‘Salt of the Earth’.

The President of the Scottish Brass Band invited Neil Cross to the stage to receive public thanks for his two decades of directorship of the NYBBS organisation, and on his retirement to receive an engraved Quaich from SBBA to mark his remarkable dedication.

Perfect finale

A thrilling rendition of Peter Meechan’s ‘Legend of King Arthur’, led by Russell Gray was followed by the amusing ‘Mr Lear’s Carnival’ – a perfect finale to remind people of the talent  the organisation is delighted to be supporting and nurturing.

As players and families were reunited after the concert and the week’s courses, the foyer of Perth Concert Hall held an electric atmosphere.  

With huge enthusiasm being expressed by the audience and players alike, the 2013 NYBBS Summer Course has proved once again to offer its participants an exciting array of musical and social opportunities.

Clair Tomalin