We know joining Youth Brass 2000 may seem a little daunting, but here are answers to some frequently asked questions that may help you out. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions, we are keen to hear from you!
It is as simple as coming along to a rehearsal! We rehearse on Sunday afternoons at the Leicester Grammar School from 2pm-5pm. If you would like to come along, we recommend you get in touch with us first as we might be having a week off if we have been busy, or we might perhaps be performing a concert somewhere, and won't be holding our usual Sunday rehearsal. Contact us for more information here!
We rehearse on Sunday afternoons at the Leicester Grammar School from 2pm-5pm. Click here for contact details.
There is no lower age limit. It is the player's ability not age that is important and we have players of 8-10 years old in the past! The upper age limit is set really by the various contests we take part in, these limits varying between 18 and 22 depending on the contest. There isn't really an upper age limit for concerts.
No. We do not audition new joiners; we accept players of all abilities. You will initially be placed in the band based on your instrument and approximate standard. The whole band is occasionally auditioned to decide on seating positions within sections, but no one will ever be excluded based on ability.
There is no explicit minimum standard, but it is essential that new joiners are excited and eager to improve! We usually cite grade 3 as a good basic level to start at. Our players range from grade 3/4 to professional standard.
Nothing! It costs nothing at all to join, but we make a small charge of £20 per calendar month to cover our running costs. This is normally paid by standing order or by BACS regular payment.
Nothing! Our famous spots & stripes waistcoats are provided by the band. All you will need is a smart white shirt, a black shirt, black school trousers, and black shoes.
Yes! This is a very important and exciting aspect of being in Youth Brass 2000! We travel the UK and Europe taking part in the most high profile Youth Brass Band competitions. We are currently National Youth Brass Band Champions of Great Britain.
Yes! During an average year, we perform at probably 5 to 10 genuinely "public" concerts, and sometimes others that are privately booked. The details of upcoming concerts (and competitions) are to be found on our diary page, come along and see us in concert!
Our annual tour is a highlight of our year! We go usually to Europe during the school summer holidays and have a fantastic time. A typical Youth Brass 2000 summer tour consists of 4-8 concerts in concert halls, churches, parks and bandstands. In the past we have performed in Disneyland Paris, various town and city squares from Luxembourg and Paris to Italy, cathedrals and churches, at the famous Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, under the Eiffel Tower, Paris, and in various theme parks. We also have a great social time as well, with swimming, free time in Europe's most beautiful cities, theme parks, tenpin bowling, and lots of other things thrown in! Over the years we have visited Italy, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria and Germany. Have a look at our Gallery pages to see more of us on tour!
Many of our players do! This is a tricky one, and is usually something for the individual player to grapple with! Experience has shown though that players joining Youth Brass quickly make it their Number One priority! Clashes with other bands need not be a problem, provided we know in advance if you are not going to be available for a particular event. If you are worried about the commitment, do get in touch and we can provide more details and advice for you. Playing in several bands is certainly not a reason to stay away, our players become the best in the midlands and are in high demand!
Yes! All brass bands always need several percussionists. You do need to be able to read a drum score however.
We would love to hear from you! We have had players join us before that are excellent woodwind players but have never touched a brass instrument. If you can read music and have an enthusiasm to excel in Youth Brass 2000 this need not hold you back. We can sort you out with a cornet, tenor horn or tuba! However, we don't usually recommend complete musical beginners join from scratch. That said, we would love to hear from you if you are interested in learning to play a brass instrument. We can put you in touch with many excellent brass teachers to get you going!