This year’s National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, Youth Champs, is to be hosted by popular children’s television presenter, BBC Journalist and musician, Alex Humphreys.
The event, taking place on Saturday 25 March at Stockport Grammar School, is open to the public, with brass fans invited to come and support the next generation of performers and enjoy a day of music compéred by the talented host.
Whilst some may know her from CBBC’s Newsround, others will be more familiar with Alex as a member of City of Cardiff Band, Melingriffith or the Symphonic Brass Wales ‘On Tour’' group. Having played the cornet since the age of 7, she has been a member of some of Wales' leading brass ensembles, including Northop Silver Band and Parc and Dare Band, as well as working with the Proms TV team, co-presenting S4C's prime-time entertainment series, 'Band Cymru', and the youth music competition, 'Band Ieuenctid Cymru'.
Beyond presenting and performing, Alex has both created and delivered a number of unique projects to support young people in their music making. With her expertise in brass performance, Alex taught Blue Peter presenter, Barney Harwood, to play the trombone as part of his Big Brass Challenge on the long-running children's show. Barney had just four weeks to learn the trombone to play at a competition with a brass band. His success led to him performing with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.
Alex commented: “I’m very much looking forward to presenting this year's Youth Champs, I know it's going to be a really fun and inspiring day for all involved. I know from experience how hard our young musicians work – and how important it is that we all show our encouragement and support by giving them a good experience. We are lucky to have this national event to enable us to do that, and provide high-quality performance opportunities at a national level. Thank you to all of the bands who are busy preparing - I can’t wait to see you there!”
Join us on the day
With youth bands performing throughout the day across two halls, Alex will be joined by long-standing Youth Champs compère, David Hayward. With 38 fantastic youth bands taking part in this year’s Championships, along with hosts who really know their stuff when it comes to bands, 2023 is a year when many will consider revisiting this national youth event or bringing a young brass player to gain some inspiration.
Kenny Crookston, CEO of organiser Brass Bands England, said: “If you know one of the youth band leaders or conductors, why not come along and support them? Or perhaps you used to perform in one of the bands yourself. We would love for you to come and join us to support those current players and help us make this event a really fantastic experience for the young people taking part.”
Booking ahead is advised. Advance tickets are priced at £13, £5 for children, with under 5s going free. Tickets can be purchased from the Brass Bands England website