Entry for the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain is now open to bands wishing to participate in the event.
The event will take place at Stockport Grammar School, Greater Manchester, on Saturday 25 March 2023 and is open to youth bands of all levels in both competitive and non-competitive sections.
Youth Champs, as the event is otherwise known, is organised by Brass Bands England and is held annually at different locations as a unique and inspiring performance opportunity for young brass players of all levels.
After the challenges of the pandemic, the event has a renewed focus on inclusion, with the non-competitive Besson Prodige sponsored Showcase Section open to any band, regardless of its level of experience. All sections, including the Performance and ABRSM Championship sections, are open to performers of all ages. Full details of changes to previous formats as well as the European Youth Brass Band Contest qualification process were announced earlier this year.
The Youth Champs experience isn’t just about high quality performance opportunities on a national platform. The day will also include a series of practical workshops available to audiences and participants, as well as the chance to hear some of the country's very best youth bands. For those running the bands, the day offers a chance to network with other band leaders as well as chat to BBE’s celebrated Brass Foundations team for advice and support on anything and everything youth brass.
Youth band leaders are encouraged to bring their band for the first time, or introduce small groups of new players to the event.
Alex Parker, BBE's Relationship and Partnership Development Manager, and lead organiser of the event, said: “Beginner bands are more than welcome, including small starter groups, from just five players or more. Absolutely anyone can take part and benefit from the exciting opportunity to play in front of an audience, on a national stage.”
Applications to take part in Youth Champs 2023 are now open via the Brass Bands England website. A Youth Champs Pre-Entry Pack is available to answer all your questions and those with questions are also invited to an online information session on Tuesday 11 October at 6.00pm or can email Alex at youthchamps@bbe.org.uk.