Big Youth Opportunities At UniBrass 2017

UniBrass is thrilled to announce a whole host of opportunities for young people at this year’s event.

As in previous years UniBrass will be running free workshops for those learning to play brass instruments (young and old). Thanks to kind support from Besson Instruments members of the Cory Academy will be leading a series of sessions preparing for a performance in the Main Auditorium of Harrogate International Centre during a break in the UniBrass Trophy. This offers a chance to learn from some of the finest players of the world’s number one ranked brass band. There is of course the chance to hear the players in action at the Gala Concert taking place later in the day.

Players of all ages with an approximate ability from Grade 3 upwards are welcome to come and take part. To register for your place for these completely free workshops visit www.unib.co.uk/workshops. Places are limited so sign up fast!

In a first for UniBrass, they are on the hunt for their first ever Youth Adjudication Panel for UniBrass 2017. In conjunction with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, UniBrass are looking for four volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 to judge the competitors in the UniBrass Shield section, held on February 18th at the Harrogate International Centre. The youth panel will not only get to enjoy the full day’s play, but will also gain invaluable experience in brass band judging with guidance from the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators throughout. While the youth panel’s placings will not affect the Shield results, their verdicts will be published on the UniBrass website following the contest. They will also have the opportunity to write up their experiences of the day.

As some of the UniBrass committee discovered at Hardraw Scar last summer, the chance to adjudicate is not one to be passed up on! So if you’re interested in being part of the youth panel, just email mailto:[email protected] to register your interest and they will be in touch.

A spokesperson for UniBrass told A4B: ‘Youth adjudication forms part of UniBrass’ ongoing commitment to fostering the development of the brass band community in younger generations. Alongside this, we are also thrilled to be welcoming the Tewit Youth Band Seniors to UniBrass to take part in our results ceremony. Tewit Youth Band was formed in Harrogate in 1978 with 15 young players, and over the years have developed to over 90 members in three band groups. The Senior band regularly compete at the National Youth Championships and the Whit Friday march contests, and are the reigning Ripon Entertainment Contest champions. They also tour extensively, and in 2016 represented Harrogate in Luchon, France to celebrate 60 years since the twinning of the towns.’

Tewit Band president, Colin Gibbs told A4B: “Tewit Youth Band are delighted UniBrass will be hosted in Harrogate and we are really looking forward to being a part of the day!”

Finally, one element of Brass Bands England’s newly-established youth forum will meet during the day. The forum will comprise of three different elements: under 18s, students and representatives from organisations. BBE is committed to supporting youth banding and developing player recruitment and retention, and UniBrass are delighted to support this through feedback from the student forum. With these opportunities to get involved, learn new skills and have your say, it’s an exciting time to be a young bander!

All that along with the chance to hear the two UniBrass contests and the Cory Band in Gala Concert! To make sure you’re part of this day of brass banding, visit www.unib.co.uk/tickets.