Last weekend, nine members of the Forest of Dean Area Youth Brass Band, along with their brass teacher and MD Kristyann Symonds, traveled to Oxford to compete in solos, duet and quartet classes at the Oxford and District Brass Band Association’s annual Brass Festival.

Host of prizes

Despite interruptions to preparations due to broken ankles, tonsillitis and that pesky Icelandic volcano, the young players aged 9 to 19 and Kristyann (who is just a bit older) collected a whole host of prizes and trophies including 5 first, 2 second and 5 third prizes.

...the young players aged 9 to 19 and Kristyann (who is just a bit older) collected a whole host of prizes and trophies including 5 first, 2 second and 5 third prizes4BR

Best Boy & Girl

Joshua De Witt was awarded 'Best Boy under 15' for his baritone playing and Rhiannon Symonds was awarded 'Best Girl under 15' for her trombone playing.

Quartet winners

The two quartets, Euph4ria and Quadraphonic also won the Junior quartet and Senior quartet classes respectively gaining high priase from adjudicators Andrew Bannister and Alan Macrae.

The players are now looking forward to taking part in the forthcoming Gwent Music Support Service Solo Contest in June.