The recently formed Southern Counties Youth Band has just given its first concert performance under the direction of Ian Porthouse, following a highly successful residential course in Bramley.

Wonderful week

The concert rounded off a wonderful week led by the Tredegar MD, as they performed to a packed audience.

Music featured included the choreographed ‘Blackbird Special’, as well as ‘Nightingale Dances’ and ‘The Smile’ by Matthew Hall, whilst the cornet section were featured in ‘Amazing Grace’ as a prelude to a slick rendition of ‘Gaelforce’ by Peter Graham.

Real potential

Ian Porthouse told 4BR that he had thoroughly enjoyed the course. “There is real potential here to develop this band into something very special.

The enthusiasm and willingness really impressed me, the organisation was excellent and the desire to learn and improve can only mean that this is an event that will grow and grow.”

The enthusiasm and willingness really impressed me, the organisation was excellent and the desire to learn and improve can only mean that this is an event that will grow and growIan Porthouse

Excellent course

A scaba (Southern Counties Amateur Band Association) spokesperson who organised the event, told 4BR: “Our thanks go to everyone for providing a excellent course and concert — and especially scaba president Norman Every, without whom none of this would have happened.

Our course leader Ian Porthouse was wonderful and instilled such enthusiasm in the players. It proves that with hard work the future of banding in our area is excellent.”