Besson Horizons: Interview with Stephanie Jonas

Meet Besson Horizons NYBBGB Representative Stephanie Jonas

The Besson Horizons programme, in partnership with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and National Jugend Brass Band (NJBB) of Switzerland, brings young British and Swiss brass musicians together and offers them the opportunity to develop their playing, experience new places and make new friends.

In this interview I caught up with Stephanie Jonas to talk about her banding journey so far, the impact of being a member of the NYBBGB has had on her playing and what it means to be a representative in the Besson Horizons programme.

Tell us about your banding journey so far

Photo used with the kind permission from NYBBGB

I joined the Northop Silver Band Organisation in 2014, when I was eight, as part of their training band, and by 2021 had progressed to the Silver band, where between Winter 2022 and Autumn 2024, I played Principal Cornet. My favourite memories from my time with Northop include playing Principal for Sand and Stars at the 2023 British Open, and the band winning the First Section National Finals in 2024!

Growing up so close to a top-level band greatly helped my development as a player. There were so many fantastic opportunities for young brass players, like me, in North-East Wales, from contesting opportunities with the North Wales Brass Band Association and in Urdd Eisteddfodau to everything offered by the Theatr Clwyd Music Service.

Since moving to Oxford for university, I've been a member of the Wantage Band. As well as being a Championship band, Wantage Band, is only a small part of what is a very large and active organisation with many bands, and I'm very proud to be even a small part of it.

Joining the NYBBGB in 2022 completely changed my life on both a musical and a personal level, and I'm immensely grateful to have spent four amazing years in the band. Being around such experienced tutors and so many inspirational conductors has helped develop my playing enormously, and I've met some of my closest friends on the courses.

The band offers a wide range of opportunities outside of the courses too, and it's been great to be involved in projects, such as the collaboration between the NYBBGB and NYO on Gavin Higgin's 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' and the 2024 NYBB Ambassador Band tour.

What encouraged you to put yourself forward for the Bessons Horizon programme?

I heard from people involved in the exchange in previous years that it was a great experience, which really motivated me to apply this year. Opportunities like this are few and far between, so I would have regretted not at least trying for it!

2025 was, sadly, my final year in the NYBBGB, so the chance to apply for the programme also offered a great opportunity to remain involved with the organisation.

How did you feel when you found out that you'd been chosen to represent the NYBBGB in the Besson Horizons programme?

Excited! If you'd told me back when I first joined the NYBBGB that I'd be chosen to represent the band in such a high-profile exchange, I don't think I'd have believed you - at the time I was amazed enough at having been accepted into the band in the first place!

What excites you most about travelling to Switzerland to take part in the NJBB course this Summer?

I'm definitely looking forward to playing with a whole new group of musicians, and from a social perspective, I'm excited to meet people who I would probably never have otherwise had the opportunity to get to know. It'll also be lovely to see all the NJBB musicians involved in previous years of the programme again!

Do you have any particular musical goals you hope to achieve whilst you're there?

Playing with an ensemble of this calibre is a really exciting prospect, so I'd say my main goal, musically, would be to successfully integrate into the band and be a useful member of the cornet team. Picking up some tips and tricks along the way that I can apply to my playing back home would be great as well.

What influence do you think this experience will have on your playing?

I'd like to think I'll come out the other side a better player! I find that playing with different ensembles to those you are used to and having as many different people, as possible, listen to you and give advice is a great way to improve, and I'm ready to take on board any feedback I receive over the course of the week.

What do you think young brass musicians can gain from experiencing brass banding in another country?

As each country has their own banding culture, approach to repertoire and playing and playing style, I think for young brass musicians to be exposed to these different musical cultures is an incredibly valuable experience. The Swiss banding scene is particularly vibrant at the moment and so different from British banding, so to experience it from the inside is something I'm very excited about.

Is there anything non-music related that you're looking forward to experiencing in Switzerland?

I've never been to Switzerland before, so mainly just the experience of being there and absorbing the culture. I'm also looking forward to hopefully speaking some German and French, which (in theory) I can speak, but definitely don't practice nearly enough at home! Only 5 months left to brush them up...

What is one non-negotiable thing other than your instrument that you have to take with you on your trip?

Lip balm, 100%. Chopsaver is a particular favourite, but I'll settle for any brand in an emergency - playing with chapped lips is a big no.

What's one piece of guidance you'd offer to someone hoping to join the programme in the future?

Have the confidence to apply. I'm so glad I finally did this time!

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