There was an outstanding day of solo and ensemble competition in Burry Port recently as the Welsh League Champion held its third youth music event.

Over 180 entrants

The West Wales Solo & Ensemble Day attracted over 180 young brass players from all over Wales to keep adjudicators Tom Davoren, Dean Wright and Nigel Seaman busy.

Well organised

Tom told 4BR that the day showed that there is a growing appetite for well organised solo and ensemble events.

"It was a real pleasure coming back to adjudicate once again, and it’s so heartening to see Burry Port looking outside the tempting boundaries of self-perseveration to benefit brass playing of all levels throughout West Wales.

You could see and hear why it was such a success — it was fun for the competitors and the music making was first class."

Workshop

Welsh National Opera trumpet star Dean Wright also inspired the next generation of brass players with his excellent workshop which held invaluable lessons for all the audience — young and old alike.

Band Chairman Graham Howe told 4BR: "We were very lucky with the support we received from the Burry Port & Pembrey Town Councils, Ty Cerdd, Treveda Music, Wiltshire Farm Foods, Parsons Pickles and parents of the performers all supporting the event.

Thanks also go to Jenkins Photography who captured great memories of the day for the young players involved. It was especially pleasing to see not only the young players performing, but young conductors being given opportunities too — something we will try to encourage even more in the future."

Perc involved in 2015

Solo & Ensemble Day Coordinator, Geraint Thomas, added: “Preparations for next year, where we will also include classes for percussion, have already started, with a provisional date either at the end of January or the beginning of February."

It was especially pleasing to see not only the young players performing, but young conductors being given opportunities tooChairman, Graham Howe

Results:

Under 10s:

Carys Lewis — Gold (Parc & Dare)
William Evans — Gold (Parc & Dare)
Oliver Davies — Silver (Tylorstown)
Cari Jones — Silver (Tylorstown)
Kayleigh Lewis — Silver (Parc & Dare)
Maddie Denny — Bronze (Penclawdd)

Under 12s:

Thomas Davies — Gold (Burry Port)
Ellie Carlsen — Silver (Penclawdd)
Eloise Denny — Silver (Penclawdd)
Iwan Hill — Silver (Tylorstown)
Jessica Lewis — Silver (Penclawdd)
Emily Lewis — Silver (Penclawdd)
Rhydian Tiddy — Silver (Ammanford)
Nathan Davies — Bronze (Tylorstown)
Amy Tomkins — Bronze (Penclawdd)
Alice Tracey — Bronze (Penclawdd)

Under 14s:

Katie Hill — Gold (Tylorstown)
Charlotte Lewis — Gold (Parc & Dare)

Under 16s:

Rhodri Thomas — Gold (Burry Port)

Open Class:

Ceri John — Gold (Burry Port)
Andrea Lewis — Gold (Parc & Dare)
Pete Greenwood — Bronze (Burry Port)

Most Promising Under 12: Carys Lewis
Most Promising Under 16: Charlotte Lewis

Duets & Trios:

Jessica Lewis & Emily Lewis — Gold (Penclawdd)
Jessica Lewis, Emily Lewis & Ellie Carlsen — Gold (Penclawdd)
Eloise Denny & Ellie Carlsen — Silver (Penclawdd)
Cari Jones, Katie Hill & Iwan Hill — Silver (Tylorstown)

Youth Band Class Under 19s:

Aberystwyth Youth Band — Gold
Carmarthenshire Intermediate Brass Band — Silver

Large Ensemble Under 14s:

Aberystwyth Youth Ensemble PG — Gold
Penclawdd Junior Brass Band — Silver
Rhondda Cynon Taf Junior Brass Band — Silver

Large Ensemble Under 19s:

Aberystwyth Youth Ensemble PW — Gold
Milford Haven Town Band (Junior Section) — Silver

Most Promising Youth Ensemble: Aberystwyth Youth Ensemble PG
Most Promising Youth Band: Aberystwyth Youth Band