*
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    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd