McVicar awarded NYBBS Young Composer Prize
Iona McVicar, a tenor horn player, recently won the 2019 National Youth Brass Band of Scotland’s 'Young Composer's Competition'.
Scottish composers Alan Fernie and Paul Drury were the adjudicators who awarded Iona the top prize for her piece 'Golden Sands', written for tenor horn and band. Iona, who has also played in the European Youth Brass Band received her award from SBBA President Carrie Boax, NYBBS conductor Ian Porthouse and SBBA Education Officer John Boax.
Second place went to last year's winner Jack Mackenzie for his euphonium solo 'Euphoric Variations', with Ross Balhaj taking third with his 'Concerto for Trombone and Brass Band'.
All three prize winners will now receive mentoring sessions from Alan Fernie as part of the award, which is made possible thanks to funding from Creative Scotland.
Alan commented, "The standard of entry in this competition is steadily improving and the three finalists have shown great potential in their contrasting pieces. What bands in Scotland must now do is to play and programme these young composers, giving them invaluable practical experience in writing for brass band. There is no greater learning outcome than hearing what players think!"
SBBA president Carrie Boax added: "SBBA are delighted that this project enables young composers to be given the opportunity to hone their talents in the brass band genre whilst leaving a legacy among the young brass and percussion players in Scotland. Our congratulations go to everyone who took part and we are looking forward to hearing a very special performance of Iona's finished work premiered at our NYBBS Easter course next year."
Iona's winning piece will be performed at a NYBBS event next year as part of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) 125th anniversary celebrations.
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