YBA Fall Workshop Information
Christmas Cookie and Brass Banding Workshop, October 25, 2026
NABBA Championships Music Reading Workshop, November 8, 2026
🎺 Calling All 8th–12th Grade Brass & Percussion Players! 🥁
The Brass Band of Huntsville is thrilled to announce two Fall 2026 workshops through the Youth Brass Academy of Huntsville (YBAoH)! Designed for student musicians in grades 8 through 12, these workshops offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to dive into British-style brass banding, work directly with local professional musicians, and elevate your technique through individual and group coaching.
🗓 Workshop Details
Workshop 1: Holiday Brass Showcase & Cookie Social
Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Sandra Moon Center Complex Band Room (7901 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville, AL)
Highlights:
Explore British-style brass and percussion rehearsal and performance techniques through holiday music.
Receive personalized coaching from Brass Band of Huntsville professionals.
Enjoy Christmas cookies during break time!
Parent Showcase: 4:30 PM parent premiere of pieces learned.
Special Invitation: Participating students will be invited to perform select Christmas pieces at the Brass Band of Huntsville Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 3, 2026 (7:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church)!
Workshop 2: Championship Reading Session: The NABBA Challenge
Date & Time: Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Sandra Moon Center Complex Band Room (7901 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville, AL)
Highlights:
Participate in a music reading session to select competition repertoire for the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships (April 8–12, 2027 in Ft. Wayne, IN).
Gain targeted instruction in British brass band performance techniques from local pros.
Parent Showcase: 4:30 PM parent premiere of pieces learned.
Precursor to 2027 Season: This session sets the stage for the full YBAoH ensemble season (rehearsals starting Sunday, January 3, 2027).
💰 Registration & Important Info
Cost: $100 covers participation in both workshops.
Registration Opens: September 8, 2026
How to Register: Visit www.brassbandofhuntsville.com and click on the Youth Brass Academy tab.
Competition Season Note: Students who register for the 2027 competition season are expected to be available for the Southeastern Brass Band Festival (March 12–13, 2027) and the NABBA Championships (April 8–12, 2027). Full registration details for the January season will be released in late Fall.
Additional Details:
Open to students in 8th - 12th grade of metro Huntsville area schools.
Open to students on the following instruments:
Trumpet
French Horn
Euphonium/Baritone
Trombone
Tuba
Percussion
Seating placement will be at the student’s discretion based upon perceived ability level. Music Director may rearrange seating at their discretion based upon same. Instrument specific, adult members from the Brass Band of Huntsville will be providing group and individual assistance during both workshops.
Workshops will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Sandra Moon Complex Band Room, 7901 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL.
Tuition for both combined workshops is a non-refundable $100 payable online when registering or by a check made out to Brass Band of Huntsville, (Youth Brass Academy in the memo) brought to the Sunday, October 25 rehearsal.
It is expected that you will participate in both workshops.
Students are to wear comfortable clothes to the workshops.
Student ejection from the ensemble (for behavior or other such reasons) is at the discretion of the director and education committee. Any student who is removed from the ensemble will not be entitled to a refund.
Students in the ensemble agree to have photos/videos of them taken and shared on the various social media accounts and websites of the Brass Band of Huntsville and/or Youth Brass Academy of Huntsville.
YBA Owned Instruments:
The YBA will provide players with cornets, baritones, flugel horn, and Eb tenor horns. There will not be a rental fee, but if damage to an instrument occurs members will be responsible for all repairs. Students and parents will be required to fill out and sign a YBAoH instrument loan form. The YBA Education Committee monitors the condition of the instruments during the program year and will contact you if the instrument is damaged while in the student’s possession.
Music:
YBAoH workshop participants will be supplied with a music folder. All brass band music must be kept in this folder and may not be removed. Please do not put any other music in your folder; it is for YBAoH brass band music ONLY. You are responsible for maintaining all music in the folder. If you lose a part, let the director know so a replacement can be obtained. All students must always have a pencil in their folder.
Equipment Responsibilities:
All members are required to help with set-up and break-down for rehearsals and concerts. Each section will have a specific responsibility. Volunteers are also expected to help with the load-in and load-out of equipment at our storage facility.
Communication:
Since our members are spread out all over the region, we use e-mail and to communicate important information. Be sure to check e-mail for any updates.
Attendance:
Attendance at both workshops is expected for members as some parts are only one student on a part. Only your required school functions and illnesses are excused absences; all other absences are considered unexcused. ALL absences (except illnesses) must be approved prior to, not after the event. While required school functions are excused, extra-curricular school functions such as musicals and plays are not. Members are expected to not add other activities on top of YBAoH workshops. To report an absence, please contact Mr. Zac Rohner (Zac@brassbandofhuntsville.com), or Mr. Robert Slamp (robert.slamp@brassbandofhuntsville.com).