It has been another busy and successful six months for conductor Philip Harper.

2009 started with Philip conducting a premiere performance of his 'Kingdom of Dragons' with the Gwent Youth Band, having recorded a CD with the band for release later this year.

Hat trick

February saw the completion of a hat-trick of wins at the Yeovil contest with Flowers — Philip's fifth win in seven years, followed by a podium place with Tongwynlais at the Welsh Open and qualification with the band to the Lower Section National Finals.

After a 'Listen to the Band' recording with Flowers, Philip was the guest conductor of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, performing a memorable concert to a packed out St Michael's Church in Newquay.

It's been a busy time, but extremely rewarding. I'm looking forward to sitting down for five minutes over the summer!Philip Harper

World Premiere

The spring brought another world premiere, this time conducting 'Willow Pattern' with Black Dyke with this first performance now available on YouTube.

Most recently, Philip has again been invited to conduct the Gwent Youth Band, at St. David's Hall Cardiff, before securing another hat-trick of top awards at the Music for Youth Festival in Symphony Hall.

Workshops

Meanwhile, Philip has also been busy with day workshops, visiting Tilbury Band in Essex in preparation for the area contest, Lyme Regis Band in Dorset for a general training workshop and Chard Band in Somerset for a day's intensive rehearsal and informal concert.

All this on top of a busy concert schedule with Tongwynlais Band and adjudication assignments as far afield as Truro and the West Lothian Festival.

Looking forward

Philip told 4BR: "I'm looking forward to the first performance of my 'Constellations' by Black Dyke on its tour of Australia, and I am thrilled that 'A Gallimaufry Suite' has been picked for the Pontin's Contest. It's been a busy time, but extremely rewarding. I'm now looking forward to sitting down for five minutes over the summer!"