New German Band Debut

Brass Band NRW is the latest addition to top-flight banding in Germany. The NRW-YBB (youth brass band) has been in existence for a number of years, but the senior ensemble is a recent development. The band had a successful contesting debut at the Dutch Open Championship in Groningen earlier this year when they won the First Section under the direction of Martin Schadlich. Brass Band NRW is now hoping to build on this at the German National Championships.      

Spokesperson Isabell Stein stated, “This is such an exciting new development for us. The band is made up of former members of Youth Brass Band NRW who passed our youth age limit but still wanted to be part of the organisation and still enjoy their brass band playing to the highest possible standard. Many are now music students and professional musicians, so this provides the perfect opportunity for everyone.

“Martin is the inspiration for us. We have now enjoyed a four-day rehearsal course in Bad Fredeburg, Sauerland rehearsing a variety of brass band pieces to broaden our knowledge and experience. This included Philip Sparke's wonderful 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' which we played in a concert at the end of the course. The future looks great, and we are now hoping to join the Championship Section of the German National Championships in 2024 as well as look to gain further experience at other contests throughout Europe.”

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