RNCM Junior Band at the 2026 International Brass Band Festival

Songs & Dances: RNCM Junior Band at the 2026 International Brass Band Festival

Under the musical guidance of their MD, Mark Bousie, the RNCM Junior Band put on a spectacular show with a programme featuring classic repertoire and fun contemporary works.

March: Star Lake by Eric Ball

The RNCM Junior Band opened with a work that was originally written, rehearsed and performed in a matter of hours when Ball visited the Salvation Army's Music Camp held at Star Lake in New Jersey, USA in 1937.

This classic piece of brass band repertoire was delivered with great rhythmic control and a strong, musically mature sound from around the stand. Brilliant poise was demonstrated throughout and the Sousa-esque, 'American-marching-band-style' theme introduced with bravado by the trombones before being carried throughout the band.

Lucerne Dances (British Premiere) by Philip Sparke

The work opened with an adventurous spirit with lovely feature work from horns and flugels followed by euphoniums. This was not an easy piece with plenty of technical challenges that are handled with both confidence and flair.

A splendid flugelhorn solo moment transported us into a more serene vibe. Principal cornet took the spotlight with a multiple, emotive solo lines before impressing with a stylish and confident cadenza.

A spirited accelerando took us into another action-packed technical section with skilful technical solos from Soprano and Principal Cornet, before a rich maestoso took us to the end of this vivacious, colourful work that showcased sensational playing from this young band.

Shift by Peter Meechan

It was then time for team percussion to take the spotlight in this rather funky little number - and my goodness, where they deserving of that spotlight. What a team! With a driving drumbeat and colourful percussion, it's a piece I would have loved to play during my time in youth bands.

Song of Hope by Peter Meechan

The second work in a 'Meechan double-bill', was his soulful cornet solo, Song of Hope that was delivered with heart by the band's Principal Cornet, Oliver Tattersall.

The work was written in 2020 and dedicated to American Trumpeter and friend of Meechan, Ryan Anthony and his charity, Cancer Blows, which was set up to raise awareness and money to further cancer research following Ryan's diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. The piece started life as the middle movement of Meechan's cornet concerto, Milestone, until Ryan requested changing the ending from reflective to a more uplifting vibe.

Oliver showcased a beautiful tone and fantastic musicality throughout his performance, bringing the emotive writing to life. A future star soloist for sure!

Fanfare and Funk by Oliver Waespi

Oliver Waespi's Fanfare and Funk, was a piece that I would put in my festival highlights for sure. A regal opening with bold fanfare entries started us off before we descended into a world of funky rhythms and bluesy melody lines, driven by bass and trombones. Cornets were just too cool with some slick 'riffy' playing, with a little bit of pizzazz from cowbell and bongo making you want to get up and dance.

The mood settled briefly with a laid-back, solo moment from Flugel before Principal Cornet took over with a super jazz cornet solo line.

Before things became too chilled, we headed back into the realms of funk once more. Groovy stuff!

Starburst by Dan Price

Another action-packed opening, as we travel through space in this galactic musical adventure. Lovely solo contributions once again from flugel, which offered a calm interlude before we were thrown back into the action with great technical playing from euphoniums and baritones underneath the driving rhythms from cornets.

A dramatic ending to a fantastic performance. The future of banding is certainly bright with these talented young stars in it.

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