The cream of young Welsh brass banding talent has been working hard under Cory MD, Philip Harper and an ensemble of top class tutors on the National Youth Brass Band of Wales annual course.

They have also been joined by Besson tenor horn star Sheona White who will be the featured guest soloist in their concerts performances inspired by the elements of air, water, earth and fire as well as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in Aberystwyth, Beaumaris and Cardiff this weekend.

Concerts

26th July: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth (8.00pm)
27th July: Canolfan Beaumaris, Anglesey (7.30pm)
28th July: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff (7.30pm)

The programme has been specially selected by Phil, and will open with his exciting 'Elemental' piece, whilst Sheona will showcase her talents with her solos 'Concerto for Tenor Horn' by Derek Bourgeois as well as works by Kenneth Downie and Philip Sparke.

The band will join in with colourful items such as 'Fireball XL5' and 'Riverdance', although the players have been tested to the limit with the inclusion of the major test-pieces, 'Spectrum' and 'Music of the Spheres'.

Amazing talent

Phil told 4BR: "We hope as many people can come along and support these wonderful young musicians. Wales really does produce amazing brass banding talent and this is the chance to hear them first hand."

One of those is principal cornet player Owain Llestyn who was also the principal cornet of the 2019 European Youth Brass Band and has recently joined Cory Band.

Wales really does produce amazing brass banding talent and this is the chance to hear them first handPhilip Harper

Sit In & Play

In addition to the musical attractions at the concerts, the band will be holding some special 'Sit In & Play' workshops on the afternoon of each concert, with participants have the opportunity to play with the band in the concert itself on the piece they have been rehearsing.

It costs just £5.00 and includes a free child ticket to the evening performance. Participants should be Grade 3 standard and aged between 10 and 18.

To book a place, please email: alexjames@nyaw.org.uk or ring 02920 105807

Principals Players:

Soprano — Sacheus Holloway-Jones
Cornet — Owain Llestyn
Flugel — Cerys Hughes
Horn — Rhys Meredith-Barrett
Baritone — Ioan Rees
Euphonium — Peter McDonough
Trombone — Bethan Cooke
Eb bass — Rhys Michael
Bb bass — Joshua Worman
Percussion — Alex Evans