*
banner

Welsh youngsters shine under Army spotlight

Even The Band of The Prince of Wales's Division has been impressed by the latest batch of talented youngsters found on their doorstep...

WWBBA
 

The Band of The Prince of Wales's Division recently travelled to the Richard Lay Innovation Centre in Swansea to work with some of brightest young brass and percussion talent found in West Wales.

Full day

A full day of plenty of fun and great music making was made up of joint and sectional rehearsals followed by a concert in the evening, all with the aim of providing the rising stars with an experience of practising and performing with professional musicians.

Fabulous

Director of Music, Capt Paul Collis-Smith told 4BR: "It was fabulous to see so many keen and happy faces perform to such a standard in such a short space of time.

The majority of them had never seen the music before the day, but by the evening they were ably performing in front of an audience. You could hear why Welsh banding is doing so well at the moment — and the future looks to be in safe hands too!"

Special mention

He added: "All the participants worked hard over several hours of music making and particular mention must go to Elizabeth Rogers who performed 'The Lonely Shepherd' on flugel, having only first playing the music in the morning."

It was fabulous to see so many keen and happy faces perform to such a standard in such a short space of timeDirector of Music, Capt Paul Collis-Smith

Plans for more

The Band of The Prince of Wales's Division plans to host several more events of a similar nature over the coming months and can adapt joint rehearsals or training days for musicians of all ages.

The majority of events are at no cost as they are as part of the band's community outreach programme with the Army.

Contact

If any bands in Wales are interested on organising a similar event, the Director of Music Capt Paul Collis-Smith can be contacted on 01446 798229.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Howell

Death of Adrienne Howell BEM

January 16 • 4BR has been informed of the death of Adrienne Howell BEM, the remarkable joint founder of Mere Manor Brass.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 23

January 16 • The popular podcast with a distinctive Welsh flavour returns for a clean and busy new year.


Tommy Tynan

4BR Thursday interview with Tommy Tynan

January 15 • We catch up with Black Dyke Band's Tommy Tynan as he prepares to take up the baton as a finalist in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition this weekend in Tidworth.


RAF

RAF Ensembles continue to fly high and wide

January 15 • The variant ensembles that are part of the Band of the RAF Regiment continue to reach out in their musical performances.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd