British Youth Band Association

Individuals & Ensembles ("I&E") is a competition run by BYBA. However, instead of scoring and ranking bands based on how well they can perform a field show, I&E looks more at the individual members of each band.

I&E is split into many categories in order to allow competitors to show off their skills. First we look at the number of performers in each entry to determine the initial class - 1 person goes in the "individuals" class, 2-3 people go in the "duos/trios" class, and 4+ go in the "ensembles" class.

Next, we look at the types of instrument performed on, and subdivide these further into brass, woodwind, wind (brass/woodwind), drums, mallets, bugles, and guard.

Finally, we look at the ages of the competitors to determine the final subcategory - most classes are split into 4 (10 & under, 14 & under, 18 & under, over 18) with the exception of ensembles, which is split into 2 (14 & under, all ages).

So, as an example, a 14 year old trumpet player will be entered into individuals - brass - 14 & under.

Our panel of judges then reviews all the entries for each class before scoring and placing them.

Entries for I&E are limited only by your imagination!

If you play brass, woodwind, drums, mallets, bugle, or guard, we have dedicated classes for you! There is no minimum or maximum standard for entry (beginners and experts are welcomed with open arms!) and the only real limit is the time of your piece - this should be kept between 1 and 4 minutes.

If not, don't fret! You can still enter our entertainment category, which has no restriction on what may be performed. It is open to anyone of any age and any size of group.

There is no charge to enter I&E this year.

Additionally, all the performances will be live-streamed FREE on social media.

What a bargain!

No, you do not need to be a member of BYBA or TYMBA to enter this competition.

However, we do ask that competitors are bona-fide members of the organisation or ensemble that they are representing.

The highest-scoring entry overall in each category will be crowned as the champion.

In addition, there are two special awards on offer:

• BYBA Young Guard Performer of the Year
• BYBA Young Musician of the Year

These awards can only be won once and will be awarded to the entries (aged 18 and under) that impress the judging panel the most!

First, read through the information pack and make sure you know what classes you wish to enter.

Next, fill out an entry form and send it to IandE@byba.online

Finally, upload your videos here.

It would be a great help if you could name your video files in the format "[Band]-[Name]-[Class]". For example, a 13 year old drummer named Henry Shoesmith that played for Pots and Pans Marching Youth would name his video "Pots And Pans - Henry Shoesmith - D2.mp4" (where D2 is the category name from the information sheet)