Scottish duo set for Euro youth band

Ruaridh Neil and Rebecca Anderson, above left, are preparing to join up with the European Youth Brass Band.

TWO Scottish musicians are celebrating after being chosen to be members of the 2016 European Youth Brass Band.

Percussionist Ruaridh Neil and Rebecca Anderson, on tenor horn, will join up with the band for its summer course which takes place in Lille the week before the European Brass Band Championships, under the baton of Erik Janssen.

Ruaridh, 18, is a member of Kirkintilloch Band after spells at Dunfermline Town and Buckhaven and Methil Bands. The percussion student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: "I'm really looking forward to being part of an ensemble of new and different players that I've never met before, taking myself out of my comfort zone.

"I'm excited to start working with Erik. It's always good experience working with new conductors and learning from their insight."

For tenor horn player Rebecca, the trip to Lille will be the latest highlight in her brass band career. A third year pharmacy student at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, the 20-year-old plays first horn with Bon-Accord Silver Band.

Rebecca commented: I can't wait to go to France to take part in the EYBB, it's such an exciting opportunity and I'm so lucky that I'm getting the chance to take part.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and finding out about brass banding in different European countries. I am really looking forward to playing new music which I expect will be very challenging but great fun."

EYBB will perform at the final of the European Soloist Competition Thursday, April 28, the opening ceremony in Lille Opera House on Friday, April 29 and the grand gala concert Saturday, April 30, as well as the closing concert after the 3rd European Youth Brass Band Contest on Sunday, May 1.

Carrie Boax, president of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), said: "I am delighted Ruaridh and Rebecca will be attending the European Youth Brass Band. They will enjoy a packed week of music making and meet like-minded musicians from other countries, forging connections and friendships that will last them a lifetime.

"I know they will be terrific representatives for Scotland and I wish them all the best as they prepare to embark on the European Youth Band course."

Ulf Rosenberg, president of the European Brass Band Association, said: "The band will have a very busy schedule of rehearsals and concerts, but there will also be time to socialise and, of course, the young players will have a chance to listen to the best brass bands in the world competing in the European Brass Band Championship in Lille.

"Conductor Erik Janssen will undoubtedly give the young musicians a fantastic experience and the rehearsal facilities at the Conservatoire de Douai promise to be some of the best we have ever had for the EYBB. Everyone involved with EBBA and the Eurofestival 2016 in Lille is looking forward to more terrific performances from this very important ensemble."