Hallé conductor to lead NYBBGB

The celebrated 80-strong National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is to be guest conducted for its annual Easter course by Jamie Phillips, the Associate conductor of the Halle Orchestra.

Jamie, who until July 2015, was the Halle's Assistant Conductor, is also the Music Director of the Halle Youth Orchestra, and is heavily involved in many of the orchestra's education programmes and concerts. He is also the Dudamel Fellow of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The band - which is by audition only - will hold its Easter residential course at Taunton School, Somerset, from 25 March to 1 April. The NYBBGB is made up of players aged 12 to 18.

The annual Easter course will culminate in two end-of-course blockbusting concerts, featuring some of the brass band world’s finest music. This year, the concerts will be held at Wells Cathedral on 31 March and Cheltenham Town Hall on 1 April.

Guest soloist will be tenor horn virtuoso, Owen Farr, who for many years was solo horn with Cory Band, one of the world’s finest bands. A Besson clinician, he is tutor at a number of UK music colleges, including the Royal Northern College of Music.

The band will again be hosting an inspirational free-of-charge open day on Tuesday 29 March to develop the talent of budding players. The open day enables talented youngsters from across the UK to experience the NYBBGB for a day. Open to young brass and percussion players between the ages of eight and 18, music teachers and parents are also welcome. Lunch will also be provided.

Designed to inspire the next generation of young musicians, the youngsters will have the opportunity to play with the band, receive coaching from some of the band's team of top musicians, as well as audition for a place in the band should they wish to.

Drawn from some of the UK's leading brass bands and ensembles, tutor's for the forthcoming Easter course include Mark Wilkinson (cornet), Elaine Williams (cornet), Paul Young (cornet), horns (Owen Farr), David Chillds (euphoniums), Chris Jeans (trombones), Les Neish (tubas) and Andrea Price (percussion.)

Philip Biggs, the NYBBGB's administrator, said: "The band is the jewel in the crown of the brass band world, and one we should all be rightly proud of. To have the youthful Jamie Phillips at the helm, promises to be something extra special and one we are all looking forward to.

"Performances by the band are always nothing short of spectacular, and therefore I encourage you to come to one of the band's two concerts or Open day."

Tickets for the two concerts are priced £12 and £10 for concessions. These are available by calling 01223 234090 or clicking here.

Those interested in the Open Day, email johnmaines@btinternet.com

Photos: Conductor Jamie Phillips and Tenor Horn Soloist Owen Farr

To read more about the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain subscribe to Brass Band World here.