*
banner

Banding rivals help new convert

Welsh rivals join forces to promote banding benefits on air.

radio band
 

Players from some of the leading bands in Wales have put contesting rivalries behind them in aid of promoting the benefits of joining local community bands.

Christmas challenge

The players from Cory, Tredegar, Tongwynlais, Tylorstown and Ebbw Valley Brass met at the BBC studios in Cardiff on Friday afternoon to play live on air in support a of Christmas challenge led by Ebbw Valley tuba player Dean Woods.

With the help of horn star Owen Farr, the pair have been teaching Radio Wales presenter Louise Elliott to play the tenor horn, after she revealed that her 4 year old daughter had taken up the instrument at school.

Expert advice

Owen’s expert advice enabled her to produce a few well balanced, tuneful notes as an introduction to the ensemble’s impromptu performances of ‘Rudolf the Red Noised Reindeer’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Come All Ye Faithful’, whilst Brass Band Forum Wales Chairman Iestyn Davies was interviewed outlining the benefits brass banding can provide youngsters and their parents.

The 20 minute spot also featured interviews with the players, such as Dewi Griffiths, Chris Thomas and Martyn Patterson, whilst Owen tried manfully to retain his composure faced with his pupil’s increasingly fraught, but entertaining efforts.

Thanks to Dean and Owen the live slot provided a great opportunity to explain the benefits to be gained from joining community based bandsForum Chairman Iestyn Davies

Great fun

Owen told 4BR: "It’s been great fun and Louise and her daughter have really enjoyed themselves. Hopefully, more parents will now be persuaded to join their children in starting to play with their local bands throughout Wales."

Iestyn Davies added: "Thanks to Dean and Owen the live slot provided a great opportunity to explain the benefits to be gained from joining community based bands."

He concluded: "I have to thank all the players for giving their time to turn up to promote what’s good about Welsh banding – and I think we have gained at least another couple of converts as a result!"

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    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


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


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd