Cory Band will be utilising £35,000 of funding awarded from the Arts Council Wales' Coronavirus Survival Fund to deliver a number of innovative projects in the coming months.
The aim is to not only provide its own motivation, but also inspire others by interacting on-line with the global banding community.
Cory applied for the support as over 25 performances in the UK as well as a concert tour abroad were cancelled or postponed due to the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.
Cwm Rhondda
The band has already released a socially distanced 'Welsh Proms Performance', which saw them deliver a rousing rendition of the iconic Welsh hymn tune 'Cwm Rhondda' alongside seven male voice choirs from the region.
MD Philip Harper told 4BR: "We were originally due to appear in Cardiff to lead a 'Brass and Voices Prom' under Owain Arwel-Hughes, and so we wanted to do something for the thousands of Welsh people who would have otherwise be engaging with the festival."
To enjoy go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh7BtlGBPIE
Youth Brass Weekend
Work is also continuing on getting ready for the free Cory Band on-line 'Youth Brass Weekend' (29th & 30th August).
Open to all Welsh players under the age of 22, it's been organised in collaboration with National Youth Arts Wales. Cory's star players will be the tutors in helping two levels of band: Grades 1-5, conducted by Glyn Williams, and Grade 6 and over, led by Philip Harper.
Philip commented: "Applications are already open for this exciting weekend and we've already had dozens of sign-ups.
We've got all sorts of things lined up — from full band sessions, sectionals and masterclasses, as well as social activities for a more informal atmosphere.
There will also be a solo competition for more advanced players, and we would like to hear from youngsters who would like to send in a video of their solo performance.
It will be judged live, with the winner receiving a specially commissioned trophy. It's a great opportunity!"
The solo contest will be broadcast publicly on Cory Band's Facebook page on Sunday 30th August (1.00pm), as will Tom Hutchinson's masterclass on Saturday 29th August (1.00pm).
More details at: www.coryband.com
The aim is to not only provide its own motivation, but also inspire others by interacting on-line with the global banding communityCory Band
Brass Band Championships
As previously announced on 4BR, Cory will also host its on-line 'Brass Band Championships' on the weekends of 18th-19th and 25th-26th September.
It has attracted over 70 worldwide entries with band members using their professional expertise in helping them through the creative process of their entertainment sets.
Philip added: "This is all about providing focus and motivation for bands across the world, and ultimately providing entertainment for people who love musical competitions but are currently denied the experience.
Think of a combination of glitzy shows combining the X-Factor and Match of the Day. I can't wait for this to come around!"
More details can be found at: www.coryband.com
