NYBBGB audition dates

Audition dates have been announced for the 80-strong National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBB) and the 60-strong National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain (NCBB).

All those who audition are given a free-of-charge master class by a leading brass or percussion player and the audition dates are:

• Saturday 17 June - University of Huddersfield
• Saturday 24 June - LSO St. Luke’s, London
• Sunday 22 October - Ratby Bandroom, Leicestershire
• Saturday 4 November - University of Salford
• Saturday 11 November - St. Dennis Bandroom, Cornwall
• Saturday 11 November - University of Sunderland

There are also three additional dates, as youngsters are able to audition during the popular free-of-charge open days, which are held during each of the residential courses. The dates for the open days are 11 April for the NYBB at Uppingham School in Rutland, and then 25 July and 1 August at Repton School in Derby.

Robert Childs, Chairman of the NYBBGB, said: "I would like to think that gaining a coveted place in either band is an experience which these young musicians will remember for the rest of their lives. We would encourage any child or teenager who wishes to improve their playing to audition. We feel strongly that everyone should come away from their auditions having had a positive and enlightening experience. Which is why in recent years, we have also included a free-of-charge masterclass as part of the audition experience, regardless of whether the youngsters are successful or not."

The NYBB holds two week long residential courses during Easter and Summer, and the NCBB holds an annual course every July. Every residential course is directed by a leading conductor, supported by a number of world class brass and percussion coaches. For more details on both the auditions and the open days, please visit www.nybbgb.com