East Riding Youth Brass Band
For any enquiries please email; ERYBB@driffieldband.com
East Riding Youth Brass Band (ERYBB) was founded on 18 January 1986 with the aim of providing young musicians from across the East Riding of Yorkshire with the opportunity to develop their musical abilities through brass banding. The first committee meeting followed on 5 April 1986, laying the foundations for an organisation that would become one of the region’s most respected youth music ensembles.
From the outset, the band combined musical education with public performance, providing a structured environment in which young musicians could learn, develop and perform to high standards. Early summer concerts quickly became a regular feature of the band’s calendar and helped establish its presence within the local community.
As membership grew, the band attracted talented young players from across the East Riding and neighbouring areas, developing a reputation for musical excellence, commitment and opportunity.
Growth and Development
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, ERYBB expanded both its membership and activities. Concert performances became increasingly ambitious and the band established itself as an important part of the cultural life of the region.
A Junior Band was established to provide opportunities for younger players and create a pathway into the senior youth band. This commitment to musical development has remained central to the organisation throughout its history and has helped hundreds of young musicians begin their brass band journeys.
Many former members have gone on to perform with championship section bands, study music at higher education level and pursue careers in music, teaching and the arts.
Contesting Success
Alongside its concert programme, ERYBB established itself within the competitive brass band movement.
Over the years the band has participated in numerous regional and national contests, including Yorkshire Area competitions, National Brass Band Championship events and other recognised youth and brass band competitions.
The band’s achievements have regularly been recognised by contest organisers, adjudicators and the press. Contemporary newspaper reports referred to the organisation as a champion band and highlighted contest successes and musical achievements. Some of these contest results can be seen here: https://www.brassbandresults.co.uk/bands/east-riding-youth
These achievements helped establish ERYBB as one of the leading youth brass organisations in the region.
Tours and International Performances
One of the defining features of ERYBB’s history has been its commitment to providing young musicians with opportunities to perform beyond their local area.
During its first decade alone the band undertook international tours to:
- Switzerland 1987
- Germany 1989
- Latvia 1993
- Austria 1995
- Italy 1995
These tours provided unforgettable experiences for members while also promoting both the East Riding and the British brass band tradition abroad.
The band also participated in festivals, civic events and major public performances throughout the United Kingdom, helping to build its reputation as a respected ambassador for youth music-making.
Celebrating Ten Years
In 1996 ERYBB celebrated its Tenth Anniversary with a special Summer Concert.
The anniversary programme reflected the remarkable progress achieved during the band’s first decade and highlighted the many musicians, volunteers and supporters who had contributed to its success.
The event was supported by the Arts Council, demonstrating the growing recognition of the band’s contribution to music education and community culture.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to reflect on ten years of concerts, competitions, tours and educational achievement.
Arts Council and Lottery Recognition
The quality and impact of ERYBB’s work attracted support from major cultural funding bodies.
The band received recognition from Arts Council England and was featured in the Arts Council of England Annual Report for 1995–96.
Over subsequent years the organisation also benefited from National Lottery-supported projects, helping to secure instruments, support musical development and expand opportunities for young musicians.
Such recognition reflected the band’s growing standing as an organisation delivering significant educational and cultural benefits to the community.
Community Engagement
Throughout its history ERYBB has maintained strong links with local communities, schools, festivals and civic organisations.
The band has performed at:
- Community festivals
- Charity events
- Civic celebrations
- Christmas concerts
- Educational projects
- Public commemorations
These activities have enabled generations of local residents to experience live brass music while providing valuable performance opportunities for young musicians.
The organisation has become an important part of the cultural fabric of the East Riding and continues to enjoy strong support from audiences, former members and the wider brass band community.
Publications, Recordings and Public Recognition
Over the years the band has produced:
- Concert programmes
- Newsletters
- Historical publications
- Recordings
- Promotional material
- Educational resources
Its activities have been documented extensively through local newspapers, community publications and brass band media.
This long record of independent media coverage reflects the band’s reputation and standing within both the local community and the wider brass band movement.
Looking Forward
Today, East Riding Youth Brass Band remains committed to the principles on which it was founded in 1986: musical excellence, opportunity, education and community engagement.
As the organisation approaches forty years of continuous activity, it stands as one of the longest-established youth brass organisations in the region. Thousands of audience members have attended its concerts, hundreds of young musicians have passed through its ranks and countless volunteers have contributed to its success.
The history of ERYBB is ultimately a story of people: young musicians, conductors, tutors, committee members, supporters and families who have worked together over four decades to create opportunities through music.
That tradition continues today, ensuring that future generations of young musicians can enjoy the same opportunities, experiences and friendships that have characterised East Riding Youth Brass Band since 1986.