There will be mixed emotions for Usk Band when they take to the stage at the Fourth Section National Finals in Cheltenham next weekend.

It will be the last time that six of their young players will perform with the Welsh champion before they start on exciting new careers at university.

Major role

Emily Davies (soprano); Becky Welton (horn); Zoe McCarroll (horn); Ceri Edmunds (cornet); Maddy Rowlands (cornet) and Liam Richards (cornet) have all been brought up through the band over the years and have played a major role in helping Usk return successfully to the contesting stage — capped by their Welsh Area title in March.

Wonderful people

Band MD Jeff Jones told 4BR: "These players have been with me and the band since they were small children, and have matured in to fine musicians, and wonderful young adults.

We owe so much to them for helping Usk Band become so successful in our short time back contesting."

These players have been with me and the band since they were small children, and have matured in to fine musicians, and wonderful young adultsMD, Jeff Jones

Hard to replace

He added: "They are going to be so hard to replace. I want to thank them for staying so loyal to me and the band, and we wish them all the very best in their futures."