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Euphonium euphoria; College student makes it into the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

One student has good reason to blow their own trumpet this term about their achievement, although they won’t be doing so because their instrument of choice is the euphonium. Hal Walker, who came to the Sixth Form College from Sandon High School and currently studies AS English Language, History, Religious Studies and Music, has earned himself a place in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

The band was formed over 60 years ago and regularly records for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. Over 4000 players have been a part of the band since its formation including some of the world’s most renowned brass performers.

Entry into the band is decided through auditions and Hal had to travel to Leicestershire to pit his musical wits against 20 fellow auditionees. “I was quite nervous at first”, said Hal, “but now I’m in the band, it is a really exciting prospect. It’s going to be a great experience and I will use it as a stepping stone for the future as I would love to go to university to study music and eventually become a music teacher”.

“It’s a big year for the band”, he added. “We’re playing everywhere from London up to Gateshead. It’s a really exciting time to be a part of it. The band has also played locally and has performed twice at Victoria Hall in Hanley”.

“My first meet up with the band is on 7th April in Taunton. I’m a little nervous as it will be the first time meeting and playing with a lot of people but at the same time I am looking forward to it”.

Hal’s music teacher at the College, Martin Drew, was full of praise for his young student. “The National Youth Brass Band is the best band in the country. It contains some of the top performers of the future who will become world famous. Hal will be rubbing shoulders with them and that will surely be inspirational”, said Martin.

Hal’s musical achievements do not stop there though as he has managed to secure a place in the Salvation Army band who are due to play with classical music group The Priests at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s South Bank next Saturday.