Issue no. 5518 – 19 July 2008 photo: www.brassbandphotography.com photo: NYBBS Japanese tour in full flight The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland’s (NYBBS) 50th anniversary course, during which it is spending two weeks on tour in Japan, got underway in great style under the baton of Richard Evans at Glasgow’s Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama on 5 July. As well as a performance by the main band of 71 players, which has embarked upon the historic trip, the Reserve and Training bands also gave impressive performances under John Boax and Gordon Evans MBE respectively. Steven Mead was the guest soloist at the main concert and is appearing on tour with the NYBBS. His video tour diary can be found on YouTube (search for NYBBS). Low-key summer ahead for brass enthusiasts Following the successful Brass Day at the 2007 BBC Proms, brass band enthusiasts will be Proms Family Orchestra events are free, but places must be reserved in advance by e-mailing disappointed with the lack of brass featuring at the 2008 series, which runs from 18 July
[email protected] or call 0207 765 0643. to 13 September. Only Prom 1 (18 July), Prom 4 (20 July) and Prom 20 (2 August) involve significant brass performances, with the Royal College of Music Brass, Royal Northern College Meanwhile, with the festival season upon us and the exception of BRASS 08 in Durham, the of Music Wind Orchestra and trumpet virtuoso, Marco Blaauw, respectively. apparent lack of major brass events around the country is also a cause for concern.