Joshua wins conducting competition

Congratulations to Kinneil Band resident conductor and Johnstone Band and Brass Sounds Inverclyde musical director Joshua Parkhill who won the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) conducting competition at the weekend.

Joshua was awarded first place in the competition by the NYBBGB artistic director Dr Robert Childs whose father – the late John Childs – conducted Kinneil Band in the 1980s.

Joshua had to prepare and guide the NYBBGB through Peter Graham’s Shine as the Light and Robert was particularly complimentary of Joshua’s “research of the score” and “efficient and musical interpretation” of the piece.

As overall winner of the NYBBGB, Joshua receives a cash prize and will be working with the children from the NYBBGB once again in summer with their professional conductor Prof David King.

Commented a thrilled Joshua: “It was great to work with such talented and responsive musicians in the band. Thanks to Peter Graham for his amazing piece which was so much fun to rehearse.

“I am now looking forward to working with the band in summer as their new assistant conductor alongside David King!”

Joshua was back at Kinneil Band on Monday, rehearsing the band on Variations on an Enigma by Philip Sparke for the Scottish Championships.