*
banner

Welsh congratulations on nation's success

Bandiau Pres Cymru/Brass Bands Wales has offered its congratulations to the nation's bands and musicians in the recent 4BR Awards as it continues to make solid progress towards the future.

Brwa
  The body continues to make progress towards helping Welsh banding

The new body hoping to support, develop and promote brass bands across Wales has offered its congratulations to the winners and nominees in the recent 4Barsrest annual awards.

Success

Bandiau Pres Cymru/Brass Bands Wales took the opportunity at its latest online meeting to note the success of Cory Band MD, Philip Harper who claimed his fifth 'Conductor of the Year' award, as well as the band's Composer in Residence, Christopher Bond who won the 'Test Piece of the Year' accolade for his work 'Neverland'.

It was the first time since 2010 that the award had gone to a non-Championship Section level composition.

Away from performing on the contest stage themselves Cory also claimed the 'Newcomer of the Year' award in recognition of the success of their first online Championships.

In addition, Tredegar Band's euphonium player Yu-Han Yang followed in the footsteps of previous euph stars David Childs, Glenn Van Looy and Morgan Griffiths in becoming 'Player of the Year' after wowing audiences on the concert and worldwide competition stages.

Winners and nominees

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We're delighted to acknowledge their success as well as that of Cory, Tredegar, Ian Porthouse, Nicholas Childs, Paul Fisher, Tom Davoren, Arfon Owen and Ali Woodman for their nominations in different categories for what are regarded as the premier awards in the banding movement."

we are getting there thanks to the hard work of those involved and the additional support we receive from individuals from different sectors of the banding movement who share our vision for the future of Welsh bandingspokesperson

Progress and funding

4BR was also informed that further progress is now being made by Bandiau Pres Cymru/Brass Bands Wales towards the launch of its bespoke website and extended social media presence.

It was also confirmed that it was understood that there has been an excellent response from bands to the latest round of potential financial help made available by the Ty-Cerdd funding body.

The spokesperson added: "Our latest meeting outlined the solid progress that is being made.

There are of course frustrations that Covid-19 has put a brake on some areas, but we are getting there thanks to the hard work of those involved and the additional support we receive from individuals from different sectors of the banding movement who share our vision for the future of Welsh banding."

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd