National Youth

Brass Band

of Wales

Are you the future of music in Wales?

Registrations for National Youth Brass Band of Wales 2025 auditions closed on 13 October.

However, if you would like to be considered for a late application, get in touch via nyaw@nyaw.org.uk.

“In 2025, we’re delighted to welcome back award-winning conductor Paul Holland, who last conducted NYBBW in 2023. Many of you will know Paul as Musical Director of Flowers band, where he’s led the band to countless trophies and awards. Last time Paul led the Band, he brought with him a fascinating and varied programme - with a mixture of test piece classics, Welsh favourites and new contemporary music – and 2025 will I’m sure be no different.

 If you’ve never auditioned before, why not give it a go? It might just be the first step towards representing your country in the National Youth Brass Band of Wales”

A note from NYBBW Producer

Matthew Jones

National Youth Brass Band of Wales Producer

2025 Programme

Conductor: Paul Holland

Originally from South Wales and now residing in Gloucester, Paul is a sought-after conductor and adjudicator throughout Europe. As a player, he achieved significant success with the Black Dyke Band and performed with celebrities like Elton John, Jools Holland, and Sting. While studying music at Huddersfield University, Paul also played with YBS, Brighouse and Rastrick, Grimethorpe, and Fodens bands.

Paul’s passion for conducting was influenced by James Watson during his time at Black Dyke. After graduating, he became Musical Director of Newbridge Band, leading them to unprecedented success. Currently, Paul is the full-time Musical Director of the Flowers Band, achieving record-breaking results at major UK competitions, including the National Championships of Great Britain and the British Open.

Repertoire: TBC.

How to apply…

Apply by:

13 October 2024

Auditions:

13 November - 1 December

Video deadline: Sunday 24th November 

Results:

*16 December 2024

Auditions:

Sunday 17th November (AM/PM) – St Asaph  

Sunday 24th November (AM/PM) – Carmarthen 

Saturday 30th November (AM/PM) – Cardiff 

Sunday 1st December (AM/PM) – Cardiff 

Rehearsals:

5th - 6th April 2025, Cardiff

15th – 22nd August 2025, UWTSD Lampeter

Performances:

TBC.

*Week commencing.

  • Cost: £500

    This fee is a contribution towards your tuition costs, accommodation, food and board, travel within the residency and social activities. The full value received by each individual is over £2000 - but thanks to the generous support from our funders and supporters, we subsidise a significant part of the costs for everyone offered a place in a national ensemble.

     Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some, or all, of the membership fees, so that no-one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons. If you have an annual household income of less than £70,000, you could be eligible for financial support.

     Additionally, for the first time this year and with support from The Leverhulme Trust, we can offer full Fee Waivers and additional support towards travel expenses and other costs associated with NYAW membership for those who need it most.

    Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees.

  • Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some or all of the membership fees, so that no-one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons. If you have an annual household income of less than £70,000, you could be eligible for financial support.

     Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees.

  • Applicants should normally be of grade 8 standard although you do not have to have taken a grade 8 exam at time of audition. You should be aged between 16 and 22, on 31 August 2025. (This means that you may be able to audition aged 15, as long as you will be 16 by this date). We may take younger participants into the ensembles on occasions where extraordinary talent is shown. This will be solely at the discretion of NYAW. You must either have been born in Wales and/or currently living in Wales, or studying full-time in Wales.

     NYAW reserves the right to exclude anyone from taking part in its ensembles at its reasonable discretion, to be exercised by senior staff or trustees.

     For any questions about our eligibility criteria, please email us at: nyaw@nyaw.org.uk.