New learning initiative for young musicians launched by the Co

the cooperation band is launching the Cooperation Youth Band on Sunday in an initiative which will be a first for young brass musicians in Scotland, based on a successful model adopted by the Black Dyke Band and Foden’s Band.

The youth band will meet monthly in Glasgow city centre and is open to any young person who plays a brass or percussion instrument at Grade 2 or above. This venture is part of the cooperation band’s ongoing commitment to fostering young talent and supporting the future of brass banding in Scotland.

Spearheading the project as musical director will be Stephanie Kennedy, the cooperation band’s flugelhorn soloist and renowned Geneva Artist, who has a passion for nurturing young musicians and inspiring the next generation.

Band manager Alan Douglas said: “This exciting development aligns with our shared mission to strengthen the brass band community in Scotland through the musical education and development of youngsters as well as the inspirational opportunities offered by the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland (NYBBS).

“Our current musical partnership with the Campbeltown and Riverside Youth bands means we have a firm foundation on which to build.”

Alan continued: “Stephanie dedicates a lot of her time and energy to teaching, mentoring and creating opportunities for aspiring musicians to develop their talents. Whether guiding students through the fundamentals of music or helping them prepare for auditions and performances, she takes pride in fostering both their technical skills and their confidence.”

He added: “Her innovative teaching methods and approachable demeanour make her a popular figure in the musical community where she continuously strives to cultivate a supportive and inspiring environment. Her mission is not just to teach music but to ignite a lifelong love for it in every student she encounters.”

Stephanie enjoyed success as a musical director when she led Campbeltown Brass to the 2nd section national title in Cheltenham in 2022. A member of the band since the age of 10 when she started to learn to play the cornet, she still retains an affinity with its players.

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she moved away from Campbeltown to Glasgow to pursue a professional career as a freelance trumpet player. But she says: “Campbeltown Brass will always have a place in my heart.”

The youth band project can be liked to an ‘academy’ – similar to the NYBBS courses – in which the students will retain membership of their current organisations while working on a more challenging and varied repertoire of music under expert tuition once a month.

“The venture provides learning over and above what the young players are already doing,” explained Stephanie. “Members will be encouraged to maintain and support their existing musical commitments outside our band as the schedule will be carefully designed to accommodate and complement these activities.”

Stephanie, who was the Reserve Band horn tutor at this summer’s NYBBS course, added: “Rehearsals are structured to challenge and inspire young musicians, providing them with access to renowned tutors, engaging new repertoire, and exceptional artistic direction.”

The first meeting of the new band will be at 12 noon on Sunday at the Europa Building, 450 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8LH.

For further information, please email thecoyouthband@gmail.com or message the cooperation band on Messenger. 

The band would like to acknowledge the support of the Pear Tree Trust and the Mary Janet King Trust (administered by Foundation Scotland) in this venture. Instruments were provided for the initiative through the Scottish Brass Band Association and its link to Creative Scotland.