Missouri Western hosted the inaugural camp of the National Youth Brass Band of America (NYBBA), a newly founded group, on campus last month. Students age 23 and under gathered from all over the United States on campus June 16-22 for rehearsals, clinics and masterclasses with some of the country’s leading performers and educators.
“It was a camp for brass and percussion students who wanted to learn and perform within a brass band setting,” said Dr. Lee Harrelson, associate professor of music and artistic director and founder of the National Youth Brass Band of America with his wife, Helen. David King, who has had a distinguished career as an international conductor, instrumentalist and music educator for over 40 years, was the musical director of the camp. He is also the founding musical director for the NYBBA.
“This is an exciting time for the youth movement in the United States,” Dr. Harrelson said. “We have a strong team invested in the success and development of this project.”
A concert was held at the end of the camp in Potter Hall theater.