The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2025
- Liv Appleton
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Applications Open For 2025 NYBBGB Young Conductor's Competition
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has officially launched the 2025 Young Conductors Competition 2025, defined as 'a career-changing opportunity for aspiring conductors aged 20-30."
The third event in its history, this prestigious biennial competition offers the winner the chance to work as Assistant Conductor on the NYBBGB's 2026 Summer Residential Course, before taking to the stage at the Summer Concert on 8th August 2026 at The Forum in Bath.
A Springboard for the Next Generation of Brass Band Conductors
The NYBBGB Young Conductors' Competition has built a strong reputation for identifying and developing the UK's brightest conducting talent. The 2025 winner will not only earn the opportunity to work alongside Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts and the NYBBGB at their 2026 Summer Course Taunton School, but will also receive a £750 cash prize.
Commenting on the contest, Lieutenant Colonel, Lauren Petritz-Watts said:
“The standard is extraordinarily high. We are looking for conductors with not only technical skill, but also emotional intelligence, clarity and a passion for shaping young musical minds."
NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley added:
"This competition represents a vital investment in the future of brass music. Thanks to our invaluable partner, British Army Music, we continue to provide world-class opportunities to the most promising young conductors in the UK."
How the Competition Works
The competition is free to enter, with submissions open until 1st November 2025. Four finalists will be shortlisted based on their submitted materials and may also take part in a conversation with the judging panel.
The final of the competition will take place on 17th January 2026 at Tidworth Garrison Theatre, Wiltshire, where each finalist will lead a live rehearsal with a full brass band made up of NYBBGB musicians.
Each finalist will conduct one of four classic brass band works:
Resurgam - Eric NBall
Music for a Festival - Philip Sparke
Shine as the Light - Peter Graham
Dimensions - Peter Graham
The panel set to adjudicate the competition are:
Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts : pioneering Principal Director of Music (Army) - the first woman to hold the role since 1857
Major Craig Bywater: Director of Music, British Army Band Tidworth
Martyn Brabbins - Celebrated British Conductor and former musical director of the English National Opera
Dr. Robert Childs - NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning, Conductor, Musician, Educator and Adjudicator
Speaking about this opportunity, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning, Robert Childs, said:
"This is a springboard for conductors ready to step onto a national platform. We're looking for musicians who can inspire, communicate and lead with both precision and passion."
Eligibility and Entry Details
The competition is open to conductors aged 20-30 as of 1st January 2026.
Entrants must submit:
A short biography - max 5000 characters
A 10-min conducting video
A scan of their passport information for age verification
Entries close on 1st November 2025
Finalists must prepare all four set works in advance - their assigned piece and order will be determined by a draw on the day.
Building a Proven Track Record of Success
Since winning the 2024 Young Conductors' Competition, Joshua Parkhill - a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - has carved out an impressive career.
He now regularly performs with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, works as a score reader for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and freelances as a community music practitioner and part-time brass teacher for the City of Edinburgh Council. Joshua was also appointed musical director of the Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band, leading them to multiple award wins at the West of Scotland Contest. His varied experience also includes performing in musical theatre pits, recoding music for video games and films and winning Best Trombone at both the 2025 Scottish Championships and Solo Championships.
Commenting on his experience with the contest, Joshua said:
"It was an unforgettable experience - working with both the NYBBGB and The British Army Band was incredibly inspiring. This competition has given me the confidence and exposure to build a meaningful career in brass conducting."
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