The future of brass playing in the Forest of Dean is in safe hands it appeas, thanks to a talented group of young players from the Forest of Dean Area Youth Brass Band, taught by brass teacher and conductor Kristyann Symonds.

Superb results

Under his direction a number of pupils have really made a mark with superb results in competitions, exams and national auditions.

Trumpet and cornet player Sam Calway, aged 12, has won a coveted place in the National Children’s Wind Sinfonia of Great Britain 2011, whilst star trombonist Rhiannon Symonds has been accepted into the 2011 National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Last year Rhiannon became the youngest brass player ever in the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales at just 12.

Under his (Kristyann Symonds) direction a number of pupils have really made a mark with superb results in competitions, exams and national auditions4BR

Diplomas

Meanwhile, Lori Warsop (euphonium) and Francis Ruck (trombone) achieved their Associate of Trinity College of London Recital Diplomas (ATCL) becoming the first ever brass players from the Forest of Dean to complete such a performance diploma before entering university.

Distinction

Euphonium player Otis Williams, 16, from Coleford recently passed his Grade 8 with Distinction – a day before passing his Grade 8 Jazz Saxophone also with Distinction and brothers Ben and Sam Horton, 16 and 14, were runners-up respectively in the annual Forest of Dean Senior & Junior Young Musician of the Year competitions.

Local bands

In addition to playing for the Forest of Dean Area Youth Brass Band the youngsters are also very busy in the community playing with local bands, with Rhiannon playing with Lydbrook, Lori with Bristol East & Kingswood, Francis with Forest of Dean Brass, Otis with Lydbrook Training and Ben and Sam Horton with Bream Silver.