St Helens Youth Brass Band (SHYBB) have been funded by Sound! Music Hub to run a young conductors education and experience programme from October 2026 to Summer 2027.

 

We are looking for a small number of young people aged 13-21 to form a learning community to journey through this programme together, supporting and learning from each other as well as professional mentors.  Full details are in the FAQ document. Applications must be submitted by 17:00 on Wednesday the 15th of September 2026. 

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The year long programme includes, 

•  A number of workshop days throughout the year led by professional conductors and music educators to learn secure basic and developing conducting technique

• Joining SHYBB rehearsals on Saturday mornings to receive ongoing mentoring and regular podium opportunities with a range of SHYBB bands

• The opportunity to conduct small informal performances through the year such as small ensembles in community settings

• The opportunity to conduct an item in a formal concert or competition with SHYBB

• Field trips to observe conductors rehearsing a different ensemble, including professional ensembles, watch the performance and review together your learning

• Contribute to a supportive small learning community, reviewing and reflecting on your progress with your peers and mentors.
   

This could be for you if:

• You live and/or are at school/college and/or are a member of a youth music ensemble in the Liverpool City Region

• You are already 13 and no more than 21 by the end of June 2027

• You can play an instrument to Grade 6 standard (this can be any instrument and you do not need to have completed an exam)

• You have experience in playing in a conducted musical ensemble

• You have musical theory knowledge to at least grade 5 theory standard (the exam does not need to be taken)

• You are curious about developing conducting skills and have not yet had very much opportunity or teaching for this

• You would enjoy spending significant time working with brass bands including in particular the youth bands at SHYBB who encompass absolute beginners to diploma standard players

• You would enjoy bringing your instrument to contribute to small ensemble work to help your group develop conducting skills together

• You can commit to the dates listed in the Key Dates section

• You have the time to do regular reflections on your skills in between sessions, including reviewing the videos taken of your own conducting.

 

SHYBB is a volunteer-led organisation based in St Helens offering progressive brass band playing education and performance experiences across 4 bands catering for ages 4-19 from complete beginners to advanced.  Rehearsals are from 9.30am-12.30pm, on Saturdays, weekly in term time.

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Please read the full details and FAQ before applying. 

--> Full Details on the programme and FAQs available here <--