The members of Cardiff University Brass Band are enjoying their Christmas break after a busy and successful few months.

New members

In September the band welcomed several new members and began preparations for an Autumn Semester Concert under Musical Directors, Martin Humphries and Jeremy Meddows-Taylor.

Last November they also welcomed Richard Evans to Cardiff for a weekend of rehearsals culminating in a concert at the School of Music.

Childs partnership

The band recently teamed up with international euphonium star David Childs for a critically acclaimed concert featuring the Palestrina Signers of Cardiff University.

Works by Philip Sparke and Paul Lovatt-Cooper were featured as David also directed the band in accompanying featured soloists Tomos Evans and Matthew White (who teamed up with David for a sparkling performance of 'Brillante'), whilst Jeremy was lucky enough to conduct as David wowed the audience with his encore speciality, ‘Hot Canary’

It was a very sad, but special night for me. The players gave their all this term and that resulted in a fantastic concertJeremy Meddows-Taylor

Last concert

For Jeremy, it was his last concert with the band after two and half years sharing the conducting duties with his good friend Martin. Jeremy, who has also been a percussionist with the Cory Band for the last three years, is moving back to Cornwall to complete a teaching placement for his Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Sad

He told 4BR: "It was a very sad, but special night for me. The players gave their all this term and that resulted in a fantastic concert. To an audience not familiar with brass banding, it was certainly a great advert.

David expertly led them through the varied programme, and to see world-class brass musicians such as him and Matthew performing at the University was wonderful. I’d like to say huge thank you to them both, but especially to Dave for his time and efforts with the band over that week.

For everyone there, it was a night that will be remembered for a long time!"

UniBrass

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