Young brass players and percussionists shine at solo competition

On Sunday 6 April, Guildhall School exploded with sound as young brass players and percussionists aged 9 to 18 came together to take part in the first ever National Brass and Percussion Solo Competition and Workshops. 

The event was hosted by Guildhall Young Artists (GYA), Guildhall School's network of centres providing inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people aged 4– 18.

More than 60 young people took part in this special day, including a mixture of current GYA members and others. Each young musician gave a solo performance of a piece of their choice. 

Participants received individual feedback from a distinguished panel of adjudicators, including Philip Cobb (trumpet), Peter Moore (trombone) and Julian Warburton (percussion). The adjudicators each treated the audience to solo performances. Alex Duggan, percussionist and Guildhall School tutor, also performed.

To round off this celebration of brass and percussion we were joined by She's Got Brass, 'London's premier 10-piece, all-girl brass extravaganza', who led an inspiring workshop for students. 

In the workshop, they developed an arrangement that was then performed by students, adjudicators and She's Got Brass together in a special performance to friends and family on Milton Court Concert Hall stage.

Solo performances are a fantastic way for students to grow both musically and personally. We learn so much each time we perform, and this event was a wonderful opportunity for students to perform in a supportive environment and gain feedback from industry-leading professionals. The event allowed students to focus on their technical skills while building confidence and developing greater musical expression.

Spencer Down, Creative Director of Guildhall Young Artists 
 

[My child] was inspired by hearing the other students and the adjudicators play. He also enjoyed the chance to mix with other brass and percussion players and meet old and new friends.

Parent testimonial
 

[My child] is so grateful for the chance to learn and practice with amazing tutors in such a wonderful environment, alongside friends her age. This unexpected award has truly encouraged her to keep pursuing and enjoying music, especially percussion, with even more passion.

Parent testimonial