‘Amazing’ verdict on Brass at the Park tribute to Richard Evans

The verdict on yesterday’s five-hour Brass at the Park tribute to Richard Evans in the grounds of Strathallan School in Perthshire was unanimous: absolutely amazing!

Almost 200 young instrumentalists who make up the Children’s, Reserve and Senior bands of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland joined forces with members of Rushen Silver Band from the Isle of Man and Dalmellington Band, the Perth & Kinross Schools Big Band and Percussion Ensemble and a trio of players from the Strathallan Pipe Band to put on a show of the highest calibre which would have had the former NYBBS conductor emeritus smiling down on the musical celebration of his life and legacy.

The day marked the culmination of a week-long NYBBS summer course at the Strathallan School at which the students enjoyed sectional practice sessions, master classes and full band rehearsals. Apart from the serious music making, ‘extra curricular’ events like a silent disco and a talent show brought a more lively element to the course.

The NYBBS summer course is supported with funding from Creative Scotland through its Youth Music Initiative. The Scottish Brass Band Association is also grateful to Highland Spring for their sponsorship of the summer school by providing complementary bottles of water.

Introduced by compère Neil Cross, former NYBBS course director, Brass at the Park opened with the NYBBS Allstars ensemble teaming up with the Strathallan pipers (above) to set the scene for what was to come.

A welcome day of Scottish sunshine and warm temperatures enabled the packed marquee to overspill into the grounds of Strathallan School as picnickers enjoyed the music in what developed into a relaxing family day out in the open air.

The NYBBS Children’s band took the stage under the musical direction of Alan Fernie for a programme which included two première performances, Emerging Light by Gareth Bowman and St Maughold's Church by NYBBS student composer Henry Dormer.

Other items in the repertoire were Music of the 16th Century (Gastoldi, Byrd, Susato), percussion feature The Green, Green Grass (George Ezra), Petit Suite de Ballet (Eric Ball), True and Trusty (John Greenwood), When I'm 64 (Lennon/McCartney) and Twa' Scots Bairnsangs (Alan Fernie).

The NYBBS Children's band, led by Alan Ferniie, take the applause for concert programme

Mini concerts by the Perth & Kinross Big Band and Percussion Ensemble, conducted by Iona Crosby (above), and the Rushen Silver Band, under the baton of John Kinley (below), were followed by the NYBBS Reserve band with musical director John Boax.

The programme started off with Concert Prelude (Philip Sparke) and included Ceramic City Overture (Stuart Johnson), Embers (Tom Davoren), Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite (James Curnow), Daniel (Barry Gott), March Box Set (arr Gwyn Evans), All Creatures Praise (Steven Ponsford) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Tan Dun, arr Paul Drury).

A particularly poignant moment came when composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper took to the stage to introduce a piece he had written in memory of Coalburn Silver Band player Beth Damer who had been tragically killed in a car accident in March 2022. Coalburn musical director Gareth Bowman led the band in their rendition of Apolonia which, said Paul, was written to reflect the personality and interests of Beth.

John Boax with the NYBBS Reserve band

After a set by an ensemble from Dalmellington Band (above), the NYBBS Senior band, with MD Ian Porthouse (below), put on a show of outstanding musicianship in a programme which comprised Flight (Louisa Trewartha), Sinfonietta (Gordon Langford), Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind (Hubert Parry, arr Leigh Baker), Sinfonietta No.3 (Etienne Crausaz) , Blackbird (Lennon and McCartney, arr Andy Austin) and Peterloo Overture (Malcolm Arnold, arr Andrew Duncan).

Throughout the day, the live performances were interspersed with videos of Tokyo City Concert Band and Leyland Band being conducted by Richard Evans.

Cornets and trombones in the massed bands finale

A rousing finale to Brass at the Park featured the massed bands in a memorable performance of Thanks, Boss!, the march written by Alan Fernie as a lasting musical tribute to Richard Evans.

It was a fitting end to a spectacular musical occasion that truly honoured the memory of one of Britain’s most popular and charismatic brass band conductors.