St David's Hall in Cardiff was the venue for the 2018 Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama graduation ceremony, where students received their degrees and diplomas and a very special award was made to Dr. Robert Childs, Director of Brass Band Studies.

New Fellow

Dr Childs was invested as a new Fellow of the College, with Head of Music Performance, Kevin Price taking the opportunity to tell the packed auditorium about his outstanding contribution to the brass band and wider musical world as a soloist, conductor and educator.

Since taking on the role at the college in 2005, Dr Childs has played a major role in making the brass band studies course one of the most respected in the UK, as well as enabling many bands in south Wales to benefit from an annual influx of high quality student players to fill their ranks — including major title winning bands Cory and Tredegar.

To say I'm chuffed is a bit of an understatement — especially when I had a look at some of those who have been honoured in this way such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Rob Bydon, Russell T Davies, Karl Jenkins and Tom JonesDr Robert Childs

Honoured

Speaking to 4BR Dr Childs said: "To say I'm chuffed is a bit of an understatement — especially when I had a look at some of those who have been honoured in this way such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Rob Bydon, Russell T Davies, Karl Jenkins and Tom Jones. That's not bad company to keep."

He added: "I've had wonderful support from the college is helping develop the courses to attract the very best students from all corners of the globe — and I'm delighted that over the past decade or more so many of them have gone on to develop successful musical careers. I'm very lucky to do I job that I love."