*
banner

Welsh banding gains positive spotlight on youth investment

The challenges faced by Welsh banding in investing in the next generation of youth has gained a positive national news spotlight.

Pontardulais
  Charlottes aged 11 has urged other youngsters to join bands

BBC Wales News has placed a spotlight on the need for the Welsh brass banding movement to invest in its grass root foundations to safeguard its future sustainability.

The feature report was shown on its regular television news output, including its main evening news programme, Wales Today, on Tuesday 11th June.

Positive example

However, rather than solely focusing on the reduced number of bands that competed at this year's Welsh Regional Championships, reporter Garry Owen used the positive example of the work being undertaken by Pontardulais Band near Swansea to show how some banding organisations are meeting the challenges of recruiting new players.

Their Academy Band which started in 2022, is now flourishing led by conductor Alison Gent, with the hope that it will be able to compete in the Fourth Section in Swansea in 2026.

It's fun

With the news cameras in their bandroom for a rehearsal, cornet player Charlotte, aged 11 said: "Just do it and try it. It's fun!" That sentiment was echoed by drummer Joseph, 14, who added: "I want to carry on playing, and hopefully one day to get to the senior band."

Investment in the next generation was key according to senior band Neil Palmer. He added: "We're looking ahead. We've got a lot of history, but we also want to make sure we have a great future."

And with senior players taking time sit in with young players, Alison Gent added that the success was down to team work.

She added: "We are really lucky that some many of our senior players help us and the young people here on their musical journey by either coming along to play during practice, or to sit next to them and help with one-to-one tuition."

We're looking ahead. We've got a lot of history, but we also want to make sure we have a great futurePontardulais Band

Importance

The importance of that investment was highlighted by 4BR Editor Iwan Fox who said in interview: "Section Four is the foundation on which banding is based. It's like an apprenticeship. If we don't invest in that the foundations will collapse."

With the Welsh Government investing over £13 million in its flagship National Music Service, there is hope that bands from every corner of the nation will be able to make links to local schools to find a new generation of players.

Recently, Beaumaris Youth Band represented Wales alongside Tredegar and Cory at the European Brass Band Championships in Lithuania, whilst there are encouraging signs from organisations across Wales of investment in young players.

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd