The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the Royal Marines Band Service to premiere a new arrangement for brass and military band

The 80-strong National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is to perform a joint virtual performance of Dan Price’s Andromeda with the Royal Marines Band Service.

Musicians from the Royal Marines will record the military band parts in advance and support a series of online sectionals and masterclasses for members of the Youth Band after Christmas, allowing the members to record the music from the comfort of their own homes. The music, which Dan has reworked for military band and brass band specially for the occasion, will be aired online early next year.

The collaboration – a first for both Bands – came about through a conversation between NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley and NYBBGB alumnus Captain Sam Hairsine RM, a Director of Music in the Royal Marines Band Service, who also volunteers with the UK’s premier youth brass band as a member of its pastoral staff.

Captain Sam Hairsine, said: “The NYBBGB is a brilliant organisation and I’m delighted that we can work together, especially in these challenging times. It will be a real thrill for our professional musicians to work with and perform alongside these fantastic young people online. It’s a fantastic project with an amazing band.”

Mark Bromley, NYBBGB CEO, added: “We have learned a lot about how to do music differently in 2020. This virtual collaboration with the Royal Marines Band Service promises to be a truly inspirational experience. A good end to a difficult year.”

Andromeda is dedicated to Elland Youth Band and its conductor, Sam Harrison, a former principal cornet of the NYBB. The band gave the premiere performance as part of its 2019 European Youth Brass Band programme in Montreux, Switzerland.

Search for the Royal Marines Band Service on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RMBandService or via www.royalnavy.mod.uk/rmbs

Further information about the Arts Council England and the Department for Education funded National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, can be found on Facebook and Twitter @nybbgb or via www.nybbgb.com