Opportunity for young brass and percussion players

On Sunday 6 April, Guildhall Young Artists will be hosting our first National Brass and Percussion Solo Competition and Workshop, a fun day of music making for brass players and percussionists aged 9 to 18 with workshops and a group performance. Young musicians will get the chance to perform in front of an all-star panel including Philip Cobb (trumpet), Peter Moore (trombone), Julian Warburton (percussion) and Alex Duggan (percussion), and will also participate in workshops throughout the day culminating in a group performance. 

Find out more and sign up for the competition and workshop here

We caught up with some of the participants and adjudicators to hear what they're most looking forward to about the event.
 

Peter Moore (brass adjudicator)

What are you most looking forward to about the day?

I’m looking forward to hearing a lot of young talent in the space of one day!

What will you be listening out for? 

A warm, singing sound and the ability to turn a phrase. 

Why do you think events like this are important for young brass players/percussionists?

We all need things to work towards. Competitions are a great way to create goals and practise performing. 

What advice would you give any young musicians who want to take part but who may be a bit nervous? 

It’s normal to feel nervous, in fact if we never got nervous it would be very strange. Sometimes, we have to step outside of our comfort zone to do great things. Focus on the enjoyment you get from playing. In a performance setting the only difference is that you then get to share that enjoyment with other people! 

Alex Duggan (percussion adjudicator)

What are you most looking forward to about the day?

Hopefully discovering some new repertoire that I haven’t heard before and being entertained by the talented young musicians' performances. 

What will you be listening out for? 

Performances that have character and show something of the soloist’s personality. I also just enjoy seeing people having fun on stage and taking risks. 

Why do you think events like this are important for young brass players/percussionists?

It is a fantastic opportunity to perform on a big stage and enjoy the sound of your instrument in that space. Also it will be great to connect with like minded musicians and take inspiration from everyone’s performances. 

What advice would you give any young musicians who want to take part but who may be a bit nervous? 

Nerves are perfectly normal and just show that you’re excited about the challenge that you’ve set yourself. Anything can happen in live performance and that’s what makes every concert such a fun adventure. 
 

Students

What are you most looking forward to about the day?

For me, more than the feeling of actually playing, is the atmosphere of the hall; a slow, calming melody in an otherwise silent hall is a recipe for musical magic. This is what I look forward to most. (Vedant, trombone, year 6)

I am most looking forward to hearing other young percussionists perform. I always find it inspiring seeing young musicians playing pieces they enjoy and hearing different styles of music. (Dominic, percussion, year 13)
 

What are you hoping to gain from taking part?

I would like to gain experience of playing in front of others and competing at a high standard. (Lucie, trumpet, year 10)

By the end of the day, I want to be able to play a controlled, smooth slow sound nicely - and hopefully win a medal! (Vedant, trombone, year 6)
 

Why do you think events like this are important for young musicians like yourself?

Events like this help young musicians to improve their skill of performance and also to enhance their self-confidence. (Ivan, percussion, year 7)

It is all part of developing your own style as a young artist and positive experiences help combat performance nerves. (Lucie, trumpet, year 10)
 

What advice would you give any young musicians who want to take part but who may be a bit nervous?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous when playing music in front of others but it is important to remember that this is a really welcoming and supportive environment. Don’t worry about what others may think and just go out there and enjoy yourself. If you’re having fun then the audience will definitely enjoy themselves too! (Dominic, percussion, year 13)

Each competition helps you to perform better next time so take this opportunity and enjoy it! (Ivan, percussion, year 7)