Musical Group Devon Youth Chamber Brass Founded To Support Young Musicians In The South-West

A new musical group, Devon Youth Chamber Brass, has been founded to support young musicians in the Devon area.

This new and exciting musical organisation was created by British composer and brass educator, Sam Massey. He is also the musical director of leading crossover chamber ensemble, Superlocrian.

Devon Youth Chamber Brass provides a range of brass ensemble performance opportunities, educational workshops, and more, for young performers in the area. The organisation is especially keen to provide opportunities for musicians to keep connecting, collaborating, and performing, during what remains a very uncertain time.

At a time when performers may be unable to enjoy the support of audiences, organisations like the Devon Youth Chamber Brass aim to plug the gap and help young musicians gain experience of performing.

The group’s innovative Remote Recording Project allowed the musicians to remain in their own homes, then later blended their individual recordings to create a powerful group performance! The original piece, entitled New Beginnings, was specifically composed for this project by Sam Massey.

Several brass players who began their education in Devon are now highly successful professional musicians, and proud Devon brass alumni. They plan to return regularly to assist the organisation and support its newest members with workshops, advice, and exclusive performances.

Devon brass alumni include Tom White, formerly of Okehampton, who is now a leading session musician, recording with the likes of Olly Murs and Emeli Sandé; Ryan Jacob, formerly of Braunton Academy, whose performance credits including Bonobo and Chronixx as a leading session trumpet player. Additionally, the Repiano Cornet player, Hannah Plumridge — previously of Churston Grammar School — now performs in the world's number one brass band, The Cory Band.

Other notable alumni include Katy Woolley (formerly of The Maynard School) who is now Principal Horn of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam; Sub-Principal Trombone at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Glasgow, Jonathan Hollick of Plymouth; and Ed Hilton (formerly Braunton Academy) now tours with the dazzling UK production of Les Misérables as a bass trombonist.

There are currently over thirty musicians involved in the recording project — and twenty-three students from all over Devon, Bristol, and Wells are involved.

And now the Devon Youth Chamber Brass group is seeking more members! All brass instrumentalists are welcome to get in touch and get involved, but students should be competent sheet music readers (working at approximately ABRSM/Trinity Grade 4 or above). Anyone interested in joining Devon Youth Chamber Brass can contact the team through their website.

Devon Youth Chamber Brass is excited to provide ongoing performance and recording opportunities, workshops, and musical education for brass instrumentalists all across the region.

About Devon Youth Chamber Brass: Devon Youth Chamber Brass was founded by British composer and musical director, Sam Massey. The organisation supports young musicians in the Devon area with workshops and education.