Concert: National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland
St. John’s Kirk, Perth and Chapel, Strathallan School29 July 2017
National Youth Brass Band of Scotland
Musical Director Emeritus: Richard Evans
Conductor: Russell Gray
National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland
Conductor: Gordon Evans MBE
National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Reserve Band
Conductor: John Boax
Guest conductor: Paul Lovatt-Cooper
St. John’s Kirk, Perth and Chapel, Strathallan School
29 July 2017
The trio of bands that form the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland met in Perth in July - Mark Good reports
Youth bands move in cycles. Players of similar ages and abilities grow up and develop together, forming eras that live long in the memory. At some point, their generation moves on and a new cohort rises to the fore. So was the case for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS), which had lost several of its more experienced players since its Norwegian expedition last year. Any uncertainty when looking around the stand was to be short-lived, however, as the rejuvenated senior band delivered a sparkling programme amid the surroundings of St. John’s Kirk in Perth.
Musical Director, Russell Gray, ensured tremendous clarity during Hesketh’s Masque, underpinned by a menacing low end led by bass trombone player, Owen Pickering. Symphony of Marches, which saw Musical Director Emeritus Richard Evans take the baton, achieved just the right sense of grandeur. There was an allure to Hannah Oman’s soprano cornet playing too in a performance from the band that was, at times, mysterious, at others jovial. Seize the Day fizzed away cheerfully with principal euphonium player, John Walker, suitably understated as the vivacious opening gave way to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. It encapsulated a varied, well-paced programme from the eldest outfit in the NYBBS family.
The NYBBS Reserve Band, meanwhile, opened the evening with Goff Richards’s Fanfare for a New Age, which was bold and full of purpose. Musical Director John Boax passed the baton to guest, Paul-Lovatt Cooper, whose unrelenting energy rubbed off on the young players for his infectious Overdrive, which received its world première. Elsewhere in the programme, Guardian of My Soul and The Spirit Within were not without occasional intonation frailties, but featured a warmth and sense of balance that belied the Reserve Band’s youthful nature. Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite opened brightly with fine sounds from cornet and horn. Just occasionally, the generous church acoustic and modified band layout - necessary to work around the church’s physical quirks - appeared to affect the tightness of an otherwise wholehearted group.
Earlier in the day, the National Children’s Brass Band of Scotland (NCBBS) performed for parents and supporters in the Chapel at Strathallan School, where all three bands had resided for their Summer Course. Gordon Evans MBE concocted a programme of tremendous variety, from Alan Fernie’s exciting Black, Dark and Golden Light, to the impressive cornet playing from Gregor Koziel in La Belle Americaine. Toccata by Bruce Fraser was one of several apt tributes during the day to the late Fife composer, whilst Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Slam Dunk, also receiving its world première, was infectious in its groove and charm.
Prizes were awarded for effort and achievement, as well as for success in the week’s solo competitions, but it was clear that the 140 musicians of NYBBS had each enjoyed their own personal triumphs. With David Childs, Glyn and Helen Williams, and Paul Lovatt-Cooper among the guests joining the resident conducting, tutorial and pastoral team for the week’s music-making, the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) provided a course that challenged and stimulated in equal measure. “NYBBS deserves to be celebrated,” SBBA President, Carrie Boax, reflected as the last of the concerts closed. On this form, she is absolutely right.
MARK GOOD
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