NYBBS – Audition Dates Announced

Published in General on 2013-10-24 by Empty Chairs

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The Scottish Brass Band Association, the parent body of The National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland, is pleased to announce details of the audition process for entrance into the premier band of the organisation - NYBBS (auditions are not required for the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland or the The National Youth Reserve Brass Band of Scotland). In a positive step to nurture NYBBS to become Europe’s leading youth brass band, all players wishing to participate in any of the premier band’s residential courses or additional performance opportunities throughout 2014 will need to audition, including previous members of the band. The auditions will also be used to select the Scottish representatives for the 2014 European Youth Brass Band which will be a significant part of the forthcoming European Festival of Brass 2014 being presented by SBBA next year.

This re-introduction of an audition process entry into the premier band of NYBBS is intended to continually assess and develop this pinnacle of the three bands which make up the organisation. The annual audition process will then ensure that membership is based on the individual progression of each of its members, truly reflecting their personal ability and acting as an incentive for improvement. The Association is also keen that the audition process will widen interest across the whole of Scotland from talented young brass and percussion players.

Auditions are open to candidates aged 16 to 22 inclusive (as of 1^st August 2014). The auditions will involve the performance of two contrasting, prepared pieces as well as some sight-reading, and the audition panel for the whole schedule will be Andrew Duncan and Philip McCann. To facilitate the geographic spread of the band’s potential members, entrance auditions will be held all over Scotland at the following locations and times, and candidates can attend any one of the locations, regardless of where they live.

Friday 29th Nov 2013 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm Campbeltown, Argyll
Saturday 30th Nov 2013 10 am till 5 pm Glasgow
Sunday 1st Dec 2013 10 am till 1 pm Whitburn, W Lothian
Sunday 1st Dec 2013 3 pm till 5 pm Dalmellington, Ayrshire
Friday 6th Dec 2013 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm Aberdeen
Saturday 7th Dec 2013 10 am till 5 pm Carnoustie, Angus
Sunday 8th Dec 2013 10 am till 1 pm Gorebridge, Midlothian
Sunday 8th Dec 2013 3 pm till 5 pm Jedburgh, Borders

Application Forms
Andrew Duncan, Development Manager for SBBA is coordinating the audition schedule, and can be contacted on andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk to obtain an application form and answer any queries about the auditions. Application forms will also be available to download from the NYBBS website at www.nybbs.co.uk.

SBBA encourages all talented young brass and percussion musicians who meet the entrance criteria to embrace this opportunity and benefit from the many exciting musical and social benefits offered through this leading youth brass band.