Opportunities for a talented 8yo euphonium player

[Polar81]

I've lurked on a couple of old NCO threads on here and was wondering if anyone had the knowledge to help.

My daughter started playing euphonium just over a year ago and has practised really hard since the March lockdown. She is 8 years old (9 in June) and is preparing to take her grade 4 ABRSM euphonium exam in December.

Euphonium doesn't qualify for NCO, and I know that a lot of playing opportunities are on hold for the moment, but wondered if anyone could recommend any similar organisations that would work for her instrument? She's really keen to play with other young people who love music. Thanks in advance.

Have a look at the National Children's Brass Band. I believe they did an online course in the summer holidays. Usually you have to be at least Grade 5 to gain a place, but there may be some events for less experienced players.

Look at Brass Academy - v friendly and great tutors - which run residential courses in Easter and Summer. Also, get in touch with your local music hub / Brass Band.

Though very little live stuff going at the moment unfortunately., so you’ll probably need to wait until sometime next year unfortunately.

Lower brass is always in demand :-)

Has her instrument tutor not suggested a local group?

Thanks for your replies. I'll check out the brass band ideas. DD doesn't have outside brass lessons atm. She learnt in a whole class group for 6 months prior to COVID and then has been taught by her dad (who is a trumpeter). We're keen for her to have lessons, but don't think starting on virtual lessons without a prior relationship with the teacher would work very well.

She sounds really motivated! My dds have been taking part in the showcase virtual youth orchestra, the director is brilliant, he might be able to do a part for euphonium even though its not normally an orchestral instrument. My friend played in our school orchestra, most groups will be flexible.i don't know much about brass bands, but some of our local ones have been doing virtual things so maybe contact one in your area.

If you are in or near Lancashire or West Yorkshire there are absolutely loads of amazing opportunities for brass players, but some bands do exist in most counties. Joining a mixed ability playing band is the best thing she can do for her progress, as her dad will know I'm sure.

www.ibew.org.uk/link01g.htm

Are you anywhere near any former mining communities?

the programmes are all on pause at the moment due to COVID, but in normal times RNCM does Young Middle Brass workshops. my DC2 goes to Young Oboes and it's a great mix of fun and learning. They also offer euphonium as a first study for the Junior department if she's ready for something a bit more serious.

Sorry to hijack, but what is the young Obie's program like? We are a long way away but I considered coming occasionally for my daughter, she never meets any other oboe players. I'm guessing it might not even start back this academic year but useful to know about.

hey horseymum. the Young Oboes group is very relaxed and fun. DC2 is very much a happy amateur, rather than an aspiring conservatoire candidate. I was a bit worried it would be too serious but she finds it very enjoyable. At 9 she was one of the younger ones last year, but they score all the pieces for the full age and ability range, although I would say some previous ensemble experience is an advantage. There's no pressure to rehearse - they get pieces on the day and it's amazing what they can produce in a morning. They also do some Dalcroze eurhythmics. The sessions run at the same time as Young Bassoons, so they sometimes double up.

If your DC is up for the commitment of something more serious then lots of people travel a long way for the Junior department proper. My neighbour's daughter just finished there after 5 years and loved it.

Thanks for that. We are toying with JD at the local conservatoire, this just felt like something that could be an occasional thing where we would travel and stay with a friend and the girls could meet some other double reeds. Hopefully some things start back again. Back to euphonium chat now!

Thanks for all the great ideas! We've got a lot to go on and hopefully DD will be able to play in a group once they start up again. Off to investigate!

Check out local music services or music centres too. Our have bands/orchestras for every instrument you can imagine, and have a lovely virtual offering going on at the moment. She may be the littlest at her level but it's a good starting point to get confidence in group playing.