St Austell has had a competitive Youth Band since the 1960s but our commitment to nurturing brass players for the future was really cemented when our "School of Brass" was formed in 1990. Through training brass players in schools and at the band room, we soon created one of the best youth bands in the country.  Many players from this original group now play in the senior band.

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The Youth Band has had many contesting highlights including winning Section B of the Pontins Youth Contest in 1990, 2nd place at the National Youth Entertainment Championships in Blackpool in 1999, winning the Challenge Section of the National Youth Championships in 2026, and many wins at the West of England Bandsmen's Festival in Bugle. You can see more results in the table at the bottom of this page.

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Anna Minear took on the musical director's role in 2015 and, as well as leading the band to local and national contesting successes, she has made a really inclusive learning environment for players of all ages and abilities. Mark Arnold is now building on this success while Anna takes a well-earned sabbatical. Mark brings a wealth of conducting and playing experience, notably having played percussion with Grimethorpe Band in the film, Brassed Off!

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St Austell School of Brass offers instrumental and theory tuition and free instrument hire to all its members and encourages pupils to progress through grade exams.