Nottingham Youth Band

NYB is your chance to play as part of a team. Each week 25+ young woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the city join forces to make a great sound together. For some, it’s their first experience of playing in a group while others come from a variety of school ensembles and extra-curricular musical activities. One thing’s for sure though – we all share the same enthusiasm and excitement for music which you can see in every player’s eyes as they are encouraged to progress further along the path of musical discovery in a fun and relaxed environment.

The aim of the band is to engage young people in their first few years of playing an instrument and encourage them to continue enjoying music right through school and beyond. We achieve this through choosing pieces which are fun and well known (Film and TV themes, classic marches, swing and jazz tunes) whilst building in more challenging repertoire and introducing different aspects of ensemble playing. It must be working – as one mum states ‘my daughter simply loves playing in the band!’

Directed by local saxophonist Joe Shaw, the group rehearse every Thursday in term-time. Launched in January 2011, the group have already enjoyed success performing in MfE’s ‘Music for Midsummer’ concert day as well as at Beeston Carnival in July.

If you’re in school years 5-9 and play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument to grade 2 standard or above we’d love to hear from you and invite you along to one of our rehearsals to experience it for yourself. There are no scary auditions and new members are always welcome – please do contact the office on the details below to find out more or to let us know you’d like to come along!