The Cooperatives

CLASSES
General Conditions of Entry

The National Youth Brass Band Championships are open to bands playing regular brass band instruments.

There are five classes, Premier Youth Band Championship
County Band Championship
Community Band Championship
Schools Band Championship
Junior Band Championship

(In case of doubt about which class to enter, please contact the Contest Administrator.)

The Championships Management reserves the right to modify any class with less than four or more than fifteen entries.

There is no limit to the number of players in a band but all players must be 'bona fide' members of the band.

If a player can prove that they are a member of two competing bands (but not within the same contesting organisation) the player may play with both bands.

The Championship Administrator must be informed, not less than 21 days prior to the Championships, of any player who intends to play with two bands.

An organisation may enter more than one band, providing they have sufficient players to make up two or more bands without duplication of playing personnel.

A band may enter one section only.

All players must comply with their section age limit.

Borrowing players is strictly forbidden.

Tutors are not permitted to perform with a band.

All bands should take note of the time limit given to each class. The event is carefully scheduled to reduce over-runs and delays. To avoid such problems, there will be strict observance of programme timing.

Bands who fail to observe the time limit may not be considered for an award.

Any band found guilty of a breach of Contest Rules, or failing to comply with the conditions set out in the Schedule or Entry Form, or commits any act which, in the opinion of the Championship management, would be prejudicial to the proper conduct or reputation of the Championship, may be subject to disqualification and/or forfeit of prizes.

JUNIOR BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The class is open to all youth brass bands whose membership has not reached their 17th birthday on or before the day of the contest.

Each band is invited to play a varied programme of 15 minutes music duration. It must include at least one piece of music, which has been composed for brass band.

SCHOOL BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The class is open to all bands organised, or funded, through or by a single school. Players must not have reached their 19th birthday on or before the day of the contest. The inclusion of former students is permitted if they are within the upper age limit, provided the organisers are notified in advance.
The School Band Class is open to training/learner bands from those education authorities/ organisations that may wish to enter another band in the County or Premier classes.
Each band is invited to play a varied programme of 20 minutes music duration, including the performance of the set test piece.

COMMUNITY BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The class is open to all bands organised independently of an education authority, music service or school.
Players must not have reached their 20th birthday on or before the day of the contest.
Each band is invited to play a varied programme of 20 minutes music duration, including the performance of the set test piece.

COUNTY BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The class is open to all Music Centre, Borough or County bands whose membership is organised through an education authority or music service.
Players must not have reached their 20th birthday on or before the day of the contest.
Each band is invited to play a programme of 20 minutes music duration, including the performance of the set test piece.

PREMIER YOUTH BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

This class is open to bands that are inspired to the greater challenge of playing one substantial test piece for brass band. Any remaining time should be used to demonstrate the highest musical achievements of the band. (It is not the expectation that bands play another full test piece, however we would expect bands to choose music of a serious and demanding nature).
The duration of the playing time shall not exceed 25 minutes.
Players must not have reached their 20th birthday on or before the day of the contest.

ADJUDICATION AND AWARDS

Open adjudication will apply.

Points will not be awarded.

Bands must provide two scores of their own choice pieces for adjudication purpose.

Prizes will be awarded to the three most able bands in each class.

All bands will receive either a Gold, Silver or Bronze Certificate of Merit, dependent upon the standard achieved. It is hoped that the system will provide an incentive for bands to progress and improve.

There will be an award to the best instrumentalist in each class.

The following prizes will be awarded in all classes at the adjudicators' discretion.

First Place £350
Second Place £200
Third Place £100

Percussion The following percussion will be provided:

Four Pedal Timpani 25" 28" 30" 32"
Concert Bass Drum
Xylophone (Premier)
Vibraphone (Premier)
Tubular Bells
Tam Tam
Full Stage Kit

Bands are not permitted to substitute their own items from those listed but should bring other items of percussion as required.
N.B. Bands must provide all sticks and beaters.

Rehearsal Facilities: - Pre-booked rehearsal facilities are no longer available at the RNCM. Ample warm up facilities will be made available to all bands.

Tickets: - Players passes and the requested number of officials' tickets (limits apply) will be given to the band official on arrival. These will allow bands and their helper backstage and into the auditorium for their competing section.

Audience Tickets: - Will be on sale on the day. Prices are - Adults £8 & Children £4. These tickets will give entrance to one section only. A £1 pass may be purchased to enter any other section with proof of purchase of a main ticket.