David Hayward: what to expect at the National Youth Brass Band Championships

David Hayward has been a well-known face in the banding world for many years, offering a wealth of experience in adjudication, compèring, and nurturing the talent of young performers. He has for the past 17 years hosted the Championship Section of the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, Youth Champs, guiding our country’s finest youth bands through what can be a challenging but extremely fun and rewarding day. Here, British Bandsman spoke to the popular event host about what it’s like to take part in the event, and why he hopes that more beginner bands will take part.

Hi David. I think it is fair to say that you are a bit of a legend when it comes to banding contests, having hosted competitions from the British Open to the National Championship Finals. What was it that brought you to the Youth Champs?

I was asked by Robert Morgan the Chair of what was at the time the British Federation of Brass Bands, now Brass Bands England, who run the Championships, if I would like to be part of the team that helped deliver the event. I was delighted to do it.

When did you start compèing the event, and what have you seen change in that time?

My first Championships were in 2005, held at the Royal Northern College of Music.  They continued to be held there for quite a number of years until the decision was taken to move them to different venues around the country, an initiative to encourage more participation from bands from further afield, not just the brass band heartlands.

What have been your Youth Champs highlights over the years, your favourite moments?

I have to say each Championship every year is always a highlight for me.  It’s great to see the fearlessness of the youngest competitors and the pride on the faces of their parents.  Over the years it has been very exciting to see how players develop and become stars in their own right as they move into the adult world of brass banding.  It has been a great privilege to see the likes of Helen Varley, Michael Cavanagh, Thomas Fountain and Siobhan Bates amongst others move on to the highest echelons of brass music making.

What would you say are the most exciting things about being part of a youth band in 2022?

That’s a really interesting question. I suppose it is the same as it always has been. The qualities that young people develop beyond the musical elements help them to be rounded human beings.  Being part of a team that works together to produce something that goes beyond the individual, having an awareness of the contribution others make on not only a musical performance but the positive influence each person has on the life of those around them.

What, in your view, are the most rewarding aspects of participating in the day?

As I said earlier, it’s the joy that one sees on young peoples faces, eager to be part of a wonderful day and not forgetting the very many adults that support, cajole and lead these talented young people to produce some magical music making.

What would you say to band leaders who are thinking about bringing a group for the first time?

DO IT!!! The instrumentation is flexible (non-standard brass instruments are allowed), absolute beginner groups are welcome, and you can bring just a handful of players or a whole class if you wish.

This year’s newly branded ABRSM Championship Section is supported by the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. Be it formal qualifications or extra-curricular activities, what’s next for young people, after the Youth Champs, how can they progress their banding further?

I think it’s the job of everyone in our community and beyond to encourage young people to take part in their local musical scene, whatever that may be, and to provide those opportunities. To lead by example So that they can see that a musical instrument is for life, not just for Christmas!

Where can people go to find out more about the event, and register to take part?

Visit the organisers Brass Bands England's website where the Pre-Entry Information Pack will give you all you need to know. Or join the online information session on Wednesday 11 January.

David Hayward has spent a lifetime in banding ever since he joined the Celynen Collieries Band in Newbridge, South Wales, at the age of seven. He has been privileged to have experienced banding at all levels, both as a player and conductor and latterly as a compère at local, regional and national competitions.

He now spends his banding life freelance conducting and adjudicating bands in the West of England and Wales, compèring concerts for a variety of individual musical groups, bands and ensembles, and hosting competitions throughout the UK. These include the British Open Brass Band Championships at Symphony Hall (Birmingham), the Spring Brass Band Festival in Blackpool, the National Brass Band Championship Finals at Cheltenham and the Welsh Open.

David is a long-time supporter of the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, otherwise known as Youth Champs.