One of most progressive brass band organisations in the UK celebrated its long established commitment to the development of young musicians at their annual concert in Cardiff on the weekend.

The City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) family of bands — from its brilliant leaner group to its prize winning senior M1 Band took part in entertaining a packed audience at the Dora Stoutzker Hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

All ages and abilities

Players of all ages and abilities have long been encouraged and developed through an inclusive ethos of musicality — an ambition that has brought both widespread critical acclaim as well as extensive competitive success over the years.

In the past few months alone, the senior M1 Band took part in the final of the Band Cymru competition and also qualified for the National Finals in Cheltenham after winning the First Section Welsh Regional title.

Happy?

The organisation even managed to put a hold on the EU political debate as well, with former First Minister Rhodri Morgan joined by his MP wife Julie Morgan in the audience — although the encore item of Pharell Williams' 'Happy' may have been a little presumptive ahead of the Referendum result!

The concert was presented by Alex Humphreys, herself a past member of M1, whilst annual 'Player of the Year' awards were claimed by Lowenna Taylor, who also won the Band Cymru 'Best Soloist' award, Amy Herman, Bethan Jones and Jo Tinsley.

Players of all ages and abilities have long been encouraged and developed through an inclusive ethos of musicality — an ambition that has brought both widespread critical acclaim as well as extensive competitive success4BR

Parting gift

As the occasion marked Gareth Jones' last appearance as conductor of the M4 Band, he was presented with a gift from the society in appreciation for his outstanding work with the youngsters.

Gareth will continue to play with M2, and his role with M4 will be taken over by M1's principal cornet, Becky Cale.