Aberystwyth Silver Band recently hosted a hugely successful Brass Extravaganza event featuring Leyland Band.

Held at the local Penglais School the day started at 10.00 am with soloists up to 11 year of age, continuing right up to 21 years of age.

High standard

A total of 20 young people played to a very high standard, whilst almost 70 youngsters took part in the ensemble competitions from local junior and senior schools.

The event attracted a great deal of local support with the Mayor of Aberystwyth presenting the winners with their certificates.

Leyland star John Doyle was the adjudicator whilst different principal member of Leyland Band held workshops for over 40 instrumentalists.

Leyland concert

The evening culminated in a concert given by the north-west band when the participants were invited to join in to play two pieces, 'Dafydd y Garreg Wen' (David of the White Rock) and 'James Bond Collection' — with over 60 players performing under MD Thomas Wyss.

It is hoped that following the success of the event which was organised by Aberystwyth Silver Band and Ceredigion Music Service and supported with grant money from Aberystwyth Town Council and Tesco Bags of Help that it will again be held next year.

Geraint Evans, Ceredigion Music Service Manager, did an excellent job as Master of Ceremonies for the day and gave thanks to all who had taken part.

Strong grass roots

Leyland Band MD, Thomas Wyss told 4BR: "It was a fantastic event — excellently organised and run. We enjoyed such a warm welcome and the players were fantastic.

It showed once more that banding has strong grass roots in this part of Wales which can only make for a wonderful future."

The evening culminated in a concert given by the north-west band when the participants were invited to join in to play two pieces, with over 60 players performing under MD Thomas Wyss4BR

Results:

Section A Solo 11 & Under:

1. Betsan Downes (Aberystwyth Youth)
2. Millie-Grace Williams (North Powys)
3. Osian King (Aberystwyth Youth)

Section B Solo 15 & Under:

1. Taya Paris Castley (Denbighshire County Youth)
2. Gronw Downes (Aberystwyth Youth)
3. Jacob Massey (Aberystwyth Youth)

Section C Solo 21 & Under:

1. Erin Hassan (Aberystwyth Youth)
2. Alex Bland (Aberystwyth Youth)
3. Hannah Holsey (Aberystwyth Youth)
4. Dylan Skym (Aberystwyth Youth)

Section D Ensemble 11 & Under:

1. Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth
2. Ysgol Rhydypennau
3= Ysgol Llanilar
3= Band Chwyth Cynradd Gogledd Ceredigion

Section E Ensemble 15 & Under:

1. Penweddig Middle Brass
2. Penglais Middle Brass
3. Penweddig Small Ensemble

Section F Ensemble 19 & Under:

1. Penglais Senior Ensemble
2. Penweddig Senior Ensemble