The members of Cardiff University Brass Band are making the most of their Christmas break after a busy, and successful Autumn Semester.

The term began with a successful sign-up session at the Student Union’s Fresher’s Fayre in September where the band welcomed 20 new members to its ranks. Musical Directors, Martin Humphries and Jeremy Meddows-Taylor, then began work on a selection of new and challenging music with the now 40 strong band.

Tricky Dicky

In late November, the band welcomed Richard Evans to Cardiff University for a weekend of rehearsals culminating in a concert at the School of Music Concert Hall. The programme featured a wide variety of music including new composition entitled ‘Behold the Power of God’ by Cornish composer, Christopher Bond.

Chris is now studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and wrote the piece in 2010 for the Cornwall Youth Brass Band in dedication to Goff Richards.

Richard’s visit was an invaluable opportunity to experience working with an expertHolly Clacey

Hard work

Richard Evans first met up with the Cardiff University Brass Band back in February at the UniBrass Championships. His visit to Cardiff was the result of months of planning and fund-raising by the band’s hard working committee, lead by Band President and principal cornet, Holly Clacey.

Wide audience

Holly told 4BR: "Richard’s visit was an invaluable opportunity to experience working with an expert and he gave us a chance to put on an entertaining concert programme that reached a wide audience. We all had a fantastic weekend and can’t thank Richard enough for it."

The band also enjoyed a prosperous Christmas period thanks to a number of carol playing jobs and a concert with the City of Cardiff Concert Band.

When the players return to rehearsals in the New Year, preparation will begin for the UniBrass Championships in February.