YYB start 2018 with a 'Great Day' 

The talented youngsters of the Yorkshire Youth Band enjoyed plenty of hard work and great music on their first gathering of 2018 in Saddleworth. The course was made possible by the continued support of Besson Musical Instruments. 

The band, formed in 2006 by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, has developed into one of the most successful organisations aimed at developing young brass band playing talent in the country. 
The weekend's music making was led by Black Dyke stars Brett Baker and Richard Marshall assisted by other members of the band, including Dan Thomas, Siobhan Bates, Matt Routley, Harry Cunningham, John O'Brien, David Smith, Neil Edwards and course administrators Alison and Rebecca Childs. 

Professor Childs stated, “the first course of the year is always eagerly awaited with lots of new repertoire in preparation for our performance at the Black Dyke Brass Festival in Leeds on 3rd June, 2018.” 

The busy day saw the band work hard on Philip Harper's 'Olympus', as well as having great fun with 'Mack the Knife', Kurt Weill arr. Goff Richards, 'Starlight' by Alan Fernie and one of the massed band pieces for the Black Dyke Brass Festival in Leeds, 'Pines of Rome'. 

Richard Marshall added: "I'm always amazed by the talent of these young musicians, who have clearly worked diligently in their preparations for our first course.” 

Each course consists of massed warm-ups, sectionals, full band, Masterclass, Q&A sessions, tutoring and advice, plus an end of day concert. This course had the added bonus of Siobhan Bates leading a special one-hour workshop on Performance Anxiety. 

The next Yorkshire Youth Band course will be on Sunday, 15th April. 
New members are always welcome and should contact Course Administrator, Alison Childs on alison4horn@btinternet.com 
 
 
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