NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble Schools Tour
Earlier this month The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble completed its fourth annual schools tour, this time in Bradford, celebrating the city's status as UK City of Culture 2025. From 7th to 11th July, the 15-strong Ambassador Ensemble of: Nayan, Izzy, Darcie, Harry, Oliver, Charlie, Elise, Daisy, Sophie, Lottie, James, Charlie, Richard, Holly, Thomas and Anna, hit the road with a mission: to inspire the next generation through live performance, mentorship and hands-on music-making.
This year’s tour was delivered in partnership with Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) and Bradford Music & Arts Service, focusing on accessibility and engagement. Across the five days, the Ambassadors visited 12 primary schools, delivering high-energy concerts and interactive workshops. Over 4,000 pupils had the opportunity to hear live brass music, many for the very first time, and even try instruments themselves!
Highlights included:
- Live demonstrations that had school halls clapping and dancing along
- Pupils getting to try brass and percussion instruments up close
- Ensemble members sharing their musical journeys and encouraging children to consider learning an instrument
The tour concluded with a free public concert on Friday 11th July at St Luke’s Church, East Morton, where the Ambassador Ensemble performed alongside the BDAT Brass Band, showcasing the power of collaboration and the talent growing within the region.
Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as: "The National Youth Brass Band were sensational!”, "The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble were utterly amazing. Our children absolutely loved it.” and "What an incredible group of young talented people! Great role models. Thank you.”
A special video was created by Elise, one of the NYBBGB’s brilliant Ambassador Ensemble musicians. Her video captures the energy, excitement and emotion of the week — from joyful school performances to meaningful student interactions. Elise shared, “It was so inspiring to see how much of a positive reaction we had back from the primary school children, and their participation in our demonstrations. The future is bright for the next generation of young brass musicians.”
A spokesperson for the NYBBGB added, “A huge thank you to the schools, staff, families and partners who helped make this tour so memorable — and to our amazing Ambassador Ensemble for sharing their passion and talent so generously!”
