*
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    


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd