In a successful initiative to ensure that young players are not lost to the brass band movement in North Wales, the Northop Band organisation has just set up Northop Brass, a sibling arm of their senior band.

Right time

Band Chairman Graham Williams told 4BR that as Northop had built up an excellent reputation for youth development over the years, it seemed right to start the new band to retain their emerging playing talent.

He said: "This is our main reason for setting up Northop Brass. This will now enable young players to continue playing for the organisation, as playing for the senior band is at times too big a jump. It will be great to see them continue playing in the B Band."

Respected conductor

The respected Dave Davies will front the band, and told 4BR: "It’s a great honour to be back with the band I was once part of for many years, and I hope the experience I have gained can be used to promote this new band in Northop.

I’m passionate in what I do and so look forward to this new challenge."

Over 50% of the players in the new band are from our current youth band with at least one youth player in each sectionConductor Dave Davies

Contest debut

The new band will make their contesting debut at the Welsh Regional contest in Llandudno next weekend.

Dave added: "Over 50% of the players in the new band are from our current youth band with at least one youth player in each section.

The remaining players are made up of playing parents/tutors from the training/youth band and some experienced players returning to the banding world. It will be a fitting tribute for the promotion of the band to attend its first major contest in North Wales."