Members of the 20th European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) will soon travel to Stavanger, Norway for a schedule of events in the run-up to this year’s European Brass Band Championships. The full schedule of events will take place 3-11 May, with EYBB performances to include the Opening Ceremony, European Conductor’s Competition, and a concert in neighbouring Sandnes with Riska Brass Band and Rogaland Youth Band.
The EYBB provides opportunities for talented young brass players from participating countries across Europe to play at an international level. Three performers have been chosen to represent England within the band, selected by Brass Bands England (BBE) in consultation with a panel made up of brass performance experts from across the English conservatoires.
Alice Clarke
Alice is a tenor horn student at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tuition of Owen Farr. She has enjoyed many courses with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the Children’s band prior to that. Alice currently plays with Brighouse and Rastrick Band where she recently accepted the first horn seat at the end of last year.
On her place in the European Youth Brass Band, Alice commented: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to work with the very best young musicians and tutors from across Europe and am looking forward to the course in Stavanger.”
Jake Humphreys
Jake first started playing in brass bands in his local music service, NMPAT, and the award-winning youth band Youth Brass 2000. After joining GUS as Assistant Principal Cornet in 2022, he changed to Soprano Cornet. In September 2023 he moved to London to begin his studies at the Royal College of Music, where he is in his second year.
Thomas Hall
Thomas was born into a musical family and has been playing Euphonium for 13 years. He played in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain from 2020 to 2024 where he enjoyed nine courses, five as Principal Euphonium. He is currently a second-year Trombone student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under Edward Jones and Anthony Howe, where he has played in their Symphony Orchestra and Brass Band as well as the CBSO Youth Orchestra. He is also Principal Euphonium of Enderby Band and plays in Birmingham Citadel Band.
Thomas said: “It’s a real honour and privilege to have the opportunity to represent England and play with this band having watched the Euros on two occasions before. I’m really looking forward to the experience!”
England will also be represented at the European Brass Band Championships by Fodens in the Championship section, and Wardle Academy and University of Chichester Brass Band in the Youth Championship (Development and Premier sections, respectively). To view the EBBC 2025 schedule of events please visit ebba.eu.com. Live coverage will be provided by wobplay.