Nicholas Childs
Nicholas John Childs (born 7 October 1961) is a Welsh musician, conductor, composer and brass educator. Childs is known for his conducting of brass bands, winning numerous championships, his teaching at the university level, and his recordings of brass music. He is also the founder of two brass bands for children. Life and career. Childs was born on 7 October 1961 in Wales. He playing baritone horn at a young age with guidance from his father John. Childs first performed with the Tredegar Junior Band and later the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. At age 16 , Childs became the Welsh and British Euphonium Champion. In 1985, he was voted Euphonium Player of The Year. Childs and his brother Bob toured internationally as the Childs Brothers. They debuted in Royal Albert Hall in 1984, His playing career included being Principal Euphonium at Grimethorpe Colliery Band and later the Foden's Band. Later performance appointments included euphonium tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, Salford University and Huddersfield University. Currently, Childs is the conductor and music director for the award-winning, Black Dyke Band. Under his baton, the band has won three European Championships. Childs is married  to Alison Childs, an administrator and brass instrumentalist. Their daughter Rebecca is also a baritone instrumentalist. Discography. To date Childs has conducted one hundred and sixty commercial CD recordings. His works have received "CD of The Year" on multiple occasions by the British Bandsman, Brass Band World magazine and 4barsrest. Championships. Childs has won the following championships: Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. Childs was the Founder of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. The YYBB is administered by Alison Childs. National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain. The National Children's Brass Band was the concept of Nicholas Childs, who is  the music director since 2006. The band is for brass players from age 8 to 14.