Founders Helen and Lee Harrelson established the National Youth Brass Band of America to support and develop the growing youth brass band community in the U.S.A. The NYBBA will allow students to explore the brass band genre while providing them with the opportunity to perform at the highest standards, improve their musicianship and explore future musical horizons. Students will spend time during the course with some of the country’s leading performers and educators in the forms of lessons, clinics, and sectionals. They will also have the amazing opportunity to rehearse under the baton of its Founding Musical Director, Professor David King. For over 40 years, David has had a distinguished career as an international conductor, instrumentalist and music educator and is one of the world’s most prolific brass band advocates. Founder and Artistic Director Helen Harrelson states “This is an exciting time for the youth movement in the US. We have such a strong team invested in the success and development of this project and we are beyond thrilled to welcome Professor King as Founding Musical Director. He brings with him an immense amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that will be fun, inspirational and challenging for the students.” The course, which aims to put the emphasis on the whole student experience, will provide the best possible training within the genre as well as enhancing each students’ vision and awareness of both the US and international brass band movements. Helen states that “It will also be a great opportunity to create a cohesive network to support future youth development and collaboration between established and newly formed organizations.” The 2020 course will take place on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 22-27, 2020, and will be open to brass and percussion musicians ages 23 and under.