*
banner

More new players found on M4 extension

There is yet another extension of playing talent at the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band with a new M4 Band debut.

City of Cardiff logo
 

The youngest players who now form part of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band organisation entertained a sell-out crowd at their recent debut concert in Tongwynlais.

Standing room

It was standing room only for the first ever performance of M4 Beginner Brass, which showcased the talents of no less than 25 budding young musicians.

Following an introductory warm up from supporting members of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) senior band, the M4 youngsters took to the stage under the baton of MD, Gareth Jones, to delight the audience with pieces they have practised together since their formation in January.

Talented players

Meanwhile, the second half of the concert was presented by the 30 members of the M3 Youth Band under the baton of Gareth Ritter with featured soloists, flugel player Gwenno Pari Huws, giving a lovely rendition of ‘Marianne’ and Catrin Jones, who performed ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ on cornet.

Gareth Jones told 4BR: "The dedication of every one of the players in M4 is marvellous. They come to every rehearsal, listen and use what they’ve learnt to improve their playing. To play like this as a band of 25 after a few months is incredible."

If this is what the future of banding looks like, then we’re in very good shapeGareth Ritter

Good shape

Also delighted was M3 Youth Band conductor Gareth Ritter, who told 4BR: "If this is what the future of banding looks like, then we’re in very good shape. Over 50 young people came together tonight to play music for an audience."

He added: "Those 50 also come to band every week to practise and meet up with friends; learning new skills and building self-esteem. This is a great enterprise and I’m immensely proud to be a part of it.

To see so many youngsters in the band room on a Sunday is a fantastic sight, and to see them feed into our M2 Band proves the system works."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd