The centre of Cardiff may have been packed with World Cup rugby supporters on the weekend but as they had their pictures taken outside the Millennium Stadium they might well have heard the sound of a brass band permeating through the air.
Drop goal
That was because The National Youth Training Band of Wales held its inaugural workshop day at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) — just a Dan Biggar drop goal distance from the ground.
35 young musicians from all corners of the nation put rugby to one side for a few hours to enjoy the opportunity of working under the baton of Cory MD Philip Harper and student mentors from the college, in a joint initiative supported by Ty Cerdd and the RWCMD.
Long term aim
The long term aim is to hopefully create a feeder ensemble for the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, with musicians aged 11-16 able to take their first musical steps to eventually becoming members of the senior ensemble.
"Although this was pilot project, the interest shown, and the success of the day, filled us with great hope and confidence,"Gwyn L Williams, Director of Ty Cerdd told 4BR.
"Wales has an amazing geographical spread of brass band talent — as the success of our bands at all levels shows.
We hope to be able to harness this talent further — developing and strengthening community links to the National Youth Brass Band organisation along the way. This was a tremendous start."
Evaluate
4BR understands that Ty Cerdd will hopefully look to build on the success of the inaugural event, evaluating its long term potential and effectiveness.
However, one person who certainly feels that it is a move in the right direction is Philip Harper, who led the players through a demanding workload of music that included 'African Funk', 'Aces High', Little Suite for Brass' and 'Let it Go'.
Great event
"It was a great event,"he said. "It is a wonderful idea to develop a clear pathway from community bands and initiatives right through to the National Youth Band — inspiring young players from all over Wales along the way."
One of those inspiring reasons was seen close at hand, with the National Championship Trophy won by Cory at the Royal Albert Hall, perched proudly close to the players.
I think the whole banding world knows that Wales is packed with fantastic young playing talent, and I certainly heard it for myself on SaturdayCory MD. Philip Harper
Packed with talent
"I think the whole banding world knows that Wales is packed with fantastic young playing talent, and I certainly heard it for myself on Saturday. It was a great initiative, at a great venue, mentored by great students.
It's not just the present of Welsh banding that is so bright though — and the outcomes from this event will hopefully build on that for many years to come."
