The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland was formed in 1958 by SAMA under whose auspices the NYBBS still operates. 

Its musical development has been dominated by three men: Bryden Thomson, Geoffrey Brand and Richard Evans.  ‘Jack’ Thomson is arguably the finest orchestral conductor Scotland has ever produced.  Indeed, his tenure as NYBBS conductor coincided with his appointment as Associate Conductor with the SNO.  His untimely death in 1991 at the age of 63 was a cruel blow to music.  His legacy, however, lies in the fact that the brass band repertoire is infinitely more rich because of his involvement with SAMA and the NYBBS. 

Geoffrey Brand took over as Musical Director in 1971 and remained for an astonishing twenty one years.  His influence over the young players and banding in Scotland in general was quite profound.  Geoffrey led the band on tours of Switzerland, Orkney and Denmark as well as at many high-profile concerts.  The NYBBS, under Geoffrey Brand, became the first ever brass band to perform in the official Edinburgh Festival performing the critically acclaimed ‘The Peat Cutters’ by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

Following Geoffrey’s decision to stand down (along with Course Director, Brad Catto, who had dealt with the band’s administration for those twenty one years), Richard Evans was invited to conduct.  He agreed but stipulated he would only do two years.  That was in 1992 and we still can’t get rid of him!  Richard is a phenomenon.  He has incredible energy and an enthusiasm for music that few could hope to match.  Due to his influence the NYBBS has grown musically and emotionally beyond all recognition.