Following the announcement at the end of 2013 that the first recipients of the Iwan Williams Scholarship, set up in memory of the former Yorkshire Building Society flugel horn star were the Deiniolen Youth Band, it has been announced that the talented youngsters will enjoy a masterclass visit from Tredegar’s Musical Director Ian Porthouse as part of their award.

Guide

Ian and his wife Leanne were both colleagues of Iwan in the YBS Band, and the duo will guide the players through their final preparations towards a forthcoming contest appearance.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We know both Ian and Leanne will share their experiences and expertise to educate and inspire the current Deiniolen Youth Band members — the band where it all started for Iwan back in 1980."

Honoured

Ian told 4BR that both he and Leanne felt very honoured to be asked to make the trip to North Wales.

"Iwan was a wonderful player and an equally wonderful man, who is greatly missed by everyone who knew him," he said.

"We are really looking forward to making the trip and seeing if we can help the next generation of young players emulate a great player. It’s a real honour for us both."

We are really looking forward to making the trip and seeing if we can help the next generation of young players emulate a great player. It’s a real honour for us bothIan & Leanne Porthouse

Exciting start

The Deiniolen spokesperson added: "It will be a privilege to welcome Ian and Leanne on Saturday June 7th, and we would like offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to them both for their generosity and willingness to give their time to help us give Iwan’s Scholarship a special and exciting start."

Further events are planned as part of the inaugural year of the Scholarship, details of which will be announced later in the year.