Just a week after David Childs scooped the 'Best Euphonium' prize at the Brass in Concert Championship, a number of his students at the Royal Welsh College have been following suit at the SEWBBA contest in Blaenavon.

Victory

In the Fourth Section, Matthew Jenkins, a fourth year euphonium student and euphonium with Cory, conducted Goodwick Band to a 5 point victory and in doing so led the band from West Wales to the 2009 Welsh League title.

Meanwhile, in the First Section competition, Jamie Jones, a 3rd year euphonium student at the college lead Rogerstone to victory with Gareth Wood's 'Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden'.

I feel our students are now playing a genuine role in sustaining and furthering the brass band movement in South WalesDr Robert Childs

Conductor of the Year

Meanwhile, Gareth Ritter, a former RWCM&D student was presented with the Eric James Conductor of the Year Award for the superb work he has done with several Welsh bands throughout 2009.

Top it all

And to top it all, Paul Jenkins, a former Cory trombonist and recipient of the college's 'Champion of Tomorrow' solo award created the shock of the weekend conducting Pontardulais to victory in the Championship Section.

Role

Bob Childs, Director of the Brass Band Pathway at Cardiff's Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama told 4BR: "I feel our students are now playing a genuine role in sustaining and furthering the brass band movement in South Wales."

He added: "When you look around from Fourth to Championship Section you will see past and present students from the college making a difference. During a time when we're often reminded where there is room for improvement, it's refreshing to see a new generation of brass band musicians flourishing with the necessary skills to help keep the standard of brass bands in Wales driving forward."

Overall champion

Burry Port Band who claimed the overall 2009 Championship Section Welsh League title also featured past and present RWCM&D students within their ranks, including first year cornetist Victoria Kennedy and former post-graduate trombonist Jo Hirst.