Brass Bands England (BBE) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Besson, strengthening the return of the National Youth Championships in 2022. At the event, which will take place at Corby Business Academy on 26-27 March, Besson’s involvement will be focused on the Debut Section, in line with its new Prodige series of instruments aimed at student and community learners.
Euan Meikle, Besson’s UK & Ireland Sales Manager, said: “Besson is delighted to be in partnership and working with BBE to deliver the 2022 Youth Champs. Engaging and supporting the development of young brass musicians at an early age is essential to ensure the sustainability of brass banding, and as we emerge from the past 18 months, these Championships are a superb opportunity to celebrate and believe in our future young brass musicians throughout the UK - and what better way than to do it together!”
The rebranded Besson Prodige Debut Section is the Youth Champs’ non-competitive section for groups wishing to perform in an exciting atmosphere without the pressure of a competition. The section’s main aim is to give players a memorable performance day out as they begin their musical journey with brass bands, and players of all school ages are welcome. Each band will receive both verbal and written feedback from the adjudicators, plus a certificate of merit to display in their bandroom, while each player will receive a souvenir of the day.
BBE Chief Executive Officer Kenny Crookston commented: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Besson, which not only focuses on the Debut Section; the winners of each competitive section will also receive a workshop visit from a leading Besson artist at a rehearsal following the event, and the partnership will add considerable value to participants’ day out at the Championships. Besson and BBE are both passionate about the future of our brass banding community and we are looking forward to working closely with them as we nurture the next generation of brass players together.”
As well as the Besson Prodige Debut Section, the Youth Champs will feature three competitive sections - Elementary (for players aged 14 and under), Intermediate (for players 16 and under) and Championship (for players 18 and under).
It can also be revealed that the test-piece for the Championship Section will be Saint-Saëns Variations by Philip Sparke, which, although ultimately not performed at the cancelled 2020 Youth Champs, had proved to be very popular with participants who will now have the chance to perform this fantastic work.
To find out more about entering the youth champs please visit the BBE web page where you can download both the pre-entry information pack as well as the contest rules. The BBE team will also host a Q&A session this Thursday (9 September) from 6-7 pm and you can sign up for this here . Anyone interested in entering the Youth Champs is welcome to ask any questions relevant to the event.
Applications from youth bands to participate in Youth Champs 2022 will launch on Friday 10 September and will remain open until Friday 17 December 2021. Places at the event are limited and bands will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register for the BBE mailing list to be notified when applications open.