Auditions for our Children's Band and Youth Band are free.
Two national bands, each with its own age range and level. Pick the one that matches where you are now — you can always progress.
A warm, supportive first national band experience, with residential courses, expert tutors, inspiring music-making and new friendships.
To audition, you should be in Year 4 to Year 9 (or Scotland / Northern Ireland equivalent) at the time of audition and playing at approximately of Grade 5 standard. You don't need to have passed a Grade 5 exam – you just need to be playing at around that level.
Audition for this bandOur flagship national ensemble for advanced young musicians – challenging your playing through ambitious repertoire, world-class tuition and performances at major venues across the country.
To audition, you should be in Year 8 to Year 13 (or Scotland / Northern Ireland equivalent) at the time of audition and playing at approximately Grade 8 standard. You don't need to have passed a Grade 8 exam – you just need to be playing at around that level.
Audition for this bandAuditions are free and designed to be a positive and supportive experience.
Your audition takes around 15 minutes and gives you the opportunity to play to one of our expert tutors. You'll also receive individualised feedback to help you continue developing your playing.
Bring your own instrument where possible. Percussionists have kit provided — just bring your sticks and mallets. A parent or carer is welcome to wait nearby, and we always have a safeguarding lead on site.
Every autumn, we hold auditions at centres across the UK.
If you're unable to attend one of our audition centres, we can also arrange an online audition. We don't want talented young musicians to miss out on the opportunity to be part of The NYBBGB simply because they can't attend an audition in person.
From sign-up to your audition day — the whole journey lives in your portal account.
Register in the NYBBGB portal in a couple of minutes.
Tell us about yourself and your musical experience.
Choose a band, venue and time that suits you.
Prepare two pieces, scales and sight reading, meet one of our tutors and show us what you can do.
Being part of The NYBBGB includes expert tuition from some of the country's leading brass and percussion musicians, residential accommodation, meals, rehearsals and performances.
The course fee is £660 per residential course, which includes all tuition, accommodation and meals. Children's Band members attend one residential course during the summer.
The course fee is £820 per residential course, which includes all tuition, accommodation and meals. Youth Band members attend residential courses at Easter and during the summer.
We want talented young musicians to have the opportunity to take part, whatever their financial circumstances. Bursary support is available towards course fees for families who need it, and applying is confidential and simple.
Set up your portal account today — it only takes a couple of minutes to get audition-ready.
