*
banner

Welsh youth ready for weekend showcase

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales is putting the final elemental touches to this weekend's concert programmes under MD Philip Harper.

nybbw
  Conductor, tutors and principal players enjoy the sunshine ahead of a weekend of concerts

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

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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Oxted Band

February 17 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd