*
banner

New youth development takes off in Rhondda Valley

A joint youth band development has taken off in the Rhondda Valley with the twin led Rhondda Fach Youth Band.

RFYB
 

Young brass and percussion players from across the Rhondda Fach valley and beyond in South Wales will now have the chance to learn to play in a brass band thanks to a new joint initiative between the Tylorstown and Ynyshir Bands.

First rehearsal

The new Rhondda Fach Youth Band was launched in November, and recently held its first rehearsal in the Ynyshir bandroom.

Both bands told 4BR that they are excited about a joint venture that will also enable the Junior sections of both bands, together with additional young players from the local community to compete as a youth band.

Enjoy

Derek Andrews of Ynyshir, and Rhondda Fach Youth Band’s main conductor, told 4BR: “Playing in a musical group is an experience all young people should be able to enjoy, and we’d welcome young players looking to start to learn as well as youngsters looking to gain further experience.”

Angela Westacaott of the Tylorstown added: “Brass banding offers a unique way to take part in a range of activities. This great joint initiative provides the opportunity to learn how to work together whilst developing personal talents and abilities.”

This great joint initiative provides the opportunity to learn how to work together whilst developing personal talents and abilitiesAngela Westacaott, Tylorstown Band

First engagement

The Rhondda Fach Youth Band will take part in their first engagement on Thursday 11th December in St John's Church, Cymmer, Porth.

Players and anyone interested in the band can find out more at: www.facebook.com/RhonddaBachYouthBand

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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd