BYBA are pleased to announce that the 2020 Individuals and Ensembles Competition will be taking place as planned on Saturday 21st November….and this time it will be an online event.

The 2020 event will also see the British Youth Band Association (BYBA) and the Traditional Youth Marching Band Association (TYMBA) jointly hosting the competition.

Whilst BYBA and TYMBA are hosting the event, your band does not need to be a member of either organisation for you to take part. The event is open to all young musicians from the marching band community and best of all, IT'S TOTALLY FREE!!

The age categories will remain as in previous years:

  • 10 and under
  • 14 and under
  • 18 and under

The age date is as at August 31st 2020. There is also provision for ‘open age’ entries.

In addition to solo entries, there are also categories for duets/trios and ensembles….so lots of chances to get involved!

This year, to reflect the support of TYMBA, there will be a separate class for bugles. There are no ‘test pieces’ - entrants can choose any piece of music whatsoever and backing tracks are allowed.

This will be the first opportunity in 2020 for many young people to be able to showcase their talents and we hope that all bands will be able to support the event.

So whether you are a brass player, a drummer, a tuned percussionist, or a woodwind player, it’s time to get planning for your entry! As in previous years, there is also a separate competition for Colourguard members.

The deadline for video entries to be sent in is November 14th. The intention is for the whole day to then be live-streamed on November 21st so you can visit online to support your fellow band members.

Full details will be up on the BYBA and TYMBA websites/social platforms shortly. Further information will be provided upon entry.