Cory Band has announced that they will be launching a new musical initiative in August in partnership support with Arts Council Wales (ACW) and National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW).

The world's number 1 ranked band will provide an exciting opportunity for young brass players in Wales under the age of 22 to take part in a series of individual and section tuition and masterclasses led by MD, Philip Harper and players.

Youth Brass Weekend

The 'Youth Brass Weekend' initiative, which will be delivered on-line, or with some relaxing of social distancing restrictions depending on official guidelines, will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend of the 29th — 31st August. It will also see the production of a number of post-project performance videos featuring all participants.

Talking about the new project, Philip told 4BR: "As we all try to find our way through this continuing lockdown, one of the big voids left in the musical life of young brass players in Wales is the cancellation of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales's (NYBBW) Summer Course, which I was due to conduct and many Cory principals were due to tutor.

We're therefore delighted that National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW), the body which organises NYBBW, will be our partner in delivering this weekend."

All abilities

He added: "Entry requirements for NYBBW include Grade 8 in your instrument — although our Youth Brass Weekend will cater for all abilities with a unique modular approach.

We will have shorter sessions available for beginner players which can be logged into and out of individually, right through to a full timetable for more advanced players where sessions run chronologically, and even the facility for individual lessons for a truly differentiated offer. It's an opportunity open to absolutely every young brass player in Wales."

Explaining how it will all be brought together Philip added: "All aspects of this weekend can be enjoyed from home, and as we understand the need to build physical activity and other diversions into what we do, it's not just being in front of a screen all day, especially on what might (fingers crossed) be a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday Weekend!"

It's an opportunity open to absolutely every young brass player in WalesPhilip Harper

Support

Talking about their support, Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales added: "This is a wonderful chance for our National Youth Brass Band members to unite under Philip's leadership and recreate some of the flavour of the residency they have sadly missed out on this Summer.

Widening the entry criteria is also a fantastic opportunity for younger players who may aspire to join NYBBW in the future."

More information about registration details will be announced in the coming weeks.