The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Announces Key Appointments

Liv Appleton
Sep 11, 2025
4 min read

Philip Harper and Martyn Brabbins Set to Take Key Roles at NYBBGB

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has announced two landmark appointments that will shape the artistic future of the organisation. Philip Harper will succeed Dr Robert Childs as Director of Artistic Planning upon his retirement in 2027, while internationally acclaimed conductor Martyn Brabbins has been named as the new President of the NYBBGB, following the passing of the late Elgar Howarth.

Harper Prepares to Shape Artistic Future of NYBBGB

From Easter 2027, Philip Harper will formally take up the role of Director of Artistic Planning, bringing with him a career of extraordinary success and a lifelong connection with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

As Musical Director of the Cory Band since 2012, Harper has led the ensemble to international recognition, securing multiple victories across the European Championships, British Open, National Finals and Brass in Concert. Under his baton, the Cory Band became the first ever to achieve the “Grand Slam” of all four titles in one calendar year — a feat he has now achieved twice, in 2016 and 2019.

Beyond his competitive triumphs, Harper is celebrated for his creative programming, musical storytelling and boundary-pushing projects that have expanded the possibilities of brass band performance. He has collaborated with ensembles across Europe and beyond, including guest appearances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Brass, the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain, Wales, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Norway’s Manger Musikklag.

Harper is also a prolific composer and arranger. His large-scale 2016 work A Shakespearean Triptych, premiered at the Royal Albert Hall during the Schools Prom, stands as a testament to his ability to inspire both massed forces and youth ensembles.

Importantly, Harper’s history with the NYBBGB is deeply personal. A former Principal Tenor Horn of the Youth Band and finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year (Brass) in 1991, he credits the organisation as a pivotal influence on his early career.

Philip Harper said:

“The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was hugely formative in my early musical journey, and it’s a genuine honour to return in this new role from Easter 2027. I have tremendous admiration for the work The NYBBGB does in nurturing young talent and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

Harper will begin programming the 2027 summer courses next year, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter in the NYBBGB’s artistic journey.

Thanks to Dr Robert Childs

The announcement also marks the forthcoming retirement of Dr Robert Childs, who will step down as Director of Artistic Planning at Easter 2027.

Dr Childs has been a guiding force for the NYBBGB for over five decades. As Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic, he steered the organisation through extraordinary challenges by pioneering hybrid and blended course models that kept young musicians engaged when opportunities elsewhere were suspended. Later, as the NYBBGB’s first Director of Artistic Planning, he expanded the band’s artistic horizons, fostering inclusivity, innovation, and excellence.

John Gillam, Chair of the NYBBGB, said:

“We are immensely grateful to Bob for his dedication to the organisation over five decades. He has not only guided us artistically through one of the most challenging periods in our history but has also played a key role in defining who we are today. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him until his retirement.”

Martyn Brabbins Named President of the NYBBGB

In a further momentous development, the NYBBGB has announced Martyn Brabbins as its new President, with immediate effect.

Brabbins is one of the UK’s most respected conductors, with an international career spanning leadership roles at the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of India, and as Music Director of English National Opera (2016–2023). Though best known for his work in opera and symphonic music, his roots lie firmly in brass banding.

Martyn Brabbins said:

“I’m thrilled to become President of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Succeeding Elgar Howarth in this role is a wonderful privilege. My own musical roots are in brass bands, and this appointment feels like coming full circle. The NYBBGB is an institution that is absolutely fundamental. I’m excited to actively support the next generation of young musicians and to help build creative new partnerships across the musical landscape.”

In his new role, Brabbins will use his profile to advocate for the organisation and foster meaningful artistic collaborations at both national and international levels.

Mark Bromley, CEO of the NYBBGB, added:

“We’re entering another exciting new phase for The NYBBGB. Working with Bob over the past five years has been a real inspiration for me, and I’m equally excited to carry that forward with Philip and Martyn. Together we all share a passion for inspiring and developing young musicians. The Band is in a very strong place for the future.”

Looking Ahead

With Philip Harper preparing to take on artistic leadership in 2027, Martyn Brabbins stepping in as President, and Dr Robert Childs’ contributions being honoured as he approaches retirement, the NYBBGB is entering a new era. These appointments reflect both a respect for the band’s remarkable heritage and a bold vision for its future — ensuring it remains at the forefront of nurturing young brass talent.