Happy, tired and musically fulfilled, NYBBS students have returned home

A hundred and fifty young brass musicians are now back home after a week-long residential course at Strathallan School in Perthshire – happy, tired and musically fulfilled.

Their departure has marked another huge achievement by the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) musical directors, course tutors, support staff and event organisers in bringing together, coaching and entertaining the players at their annual summer school.

The instrumentalists – split into three bands (Children’s, Reserve and Senior) according to their age and ability – ended their week of learning with two concerts on Saturday in the Albert Halls in Stirling.

For the students attending NYBBS 2022 from such diverse locations as Shetland and Stranraer, the emphasis was on having fun, combined with the excitement of renewing friendships and meeting up with fellow instrumentalists to create a new set of memories that will last for a very long time.

While the auditions, sectional practice sessions, master classes and full band rehearsals provided the opportunity for some serious music making for the young musicians, it was the ‘extra curricular’ events which brought a more lively element to the course.

Outdoor and supplementary activities included football, swimming, quizzes, a silent disco and NYBBS Got Talent!.

The two end-of-course concerts by three NYBBS bands included a grand finale that was a fitting conclusion to the musical extravaganza.

A report on the concert and a selection of photos from the week will be published over the next few days.