The County Youth Band is supported by a Training Band and Junior Band totalling 150 young musicians. All three bands rehearse each Saturday morning during term time in Alresford near Winchester. In addition there is an Endangered Species Group tutoring beginners in some of the larger instruments. Auditions for membership are held each year.
Under the current director, Jock McKenzie, the Band has in recent times participated in the National Festival of Music for Youth (Royal Festival Hall, London) at which the Band gained the “highly commended performance award”. Subsequent to this the Band performed by invitation at the Schools Proms (Royal Albert Hall, London).
Hampshire County Training Band under the baton of Jon Cranston.
Each year the Band host the “Hampshire Brass Massive” at which members have the opportunity to learn and perform alongside professional brass and percussion players in a wide range of musical idioms and styles.
The Hampshire County Youth Band heads the county youth band pyramid that also includes the Hampshire County Training Band and Hampshire County Junior Band. Both of these bands undertake their own series of performances in Hampshire and beyond.
Hampshire County Junior Band under the baton of Jane Brydon.