The Greater Gwent Youth Band continued its excellent record at the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Symphony Hall last Thursday by receiving an award for what was described by the judges as, ‘...pushing the boundaries of youth brass band repertoire’.

Fifth year

This was the fifth consecutive year that the band has been presented with an award and one of many since they started attending the event in 1992.

Music Mentors, Eric Tebbett and Keith Hewson were certainly impressed with the band’s performance under the direction of Flowers MD, Paul Holland, of 'Penlee' by Simon Dobson, describing some of the playing as ‘stunning’, ‘atmospheric’ and electrifying’.

This was the fifth consecutive year that the band has been presented with an award and one of many since they started attending the event in 19924BR

Wonderful achievement

Paul, a former member of the band itself, was equally delighted, telling 4BR: “This was another wonderful achievement for the band and recognition of all their hard work”

The event also proved successful for the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Ensemble, Greater Gwent Youth Strings, Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra, Greater Gwent Youth Symphonic Winds and the Greater Gwent Youth Orchestra.

Thanks

Alun F Williams, of Gwent Music Support Services added: "We also have to thank Christopher Turner who helped prepare the band. It has been a very busy and successful year once again although we already have our eyes firmly fixed on December when Richard Evans and Les Neish will join us for our annual course."