Brass banding is thriving in Lithuania thanks to the hard work of the Lithuanian Brass Band Federation, under the leadership of Remigius Vilys and his Dutch colleague, Piet Visser.

Evidence

The evidence was seen when Robert and Barbara Morgan, representing Lydbrook Band, recently visited Panevezys to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Eriskiai Band.

In 2006 Lydbrook first visited Lithuania and saw how the movement was struggling due to the lack of instruments.

Tragic death

Tragically, after returning home, the band’s solo horn player, Trefor Evans, died suddenly at the age of 34. It was Trefor’s wish to find instruments to send over to Lithuania, and as a result his partner, Jo Millin, set up the Trefor Evans Trust.

Since that time, the generosity of bands nationwide has meant that 110 instruments and £2,000 in donations was collected and sent over for the use of the Lithuanian banding movement.

Last week the fruits of that generosity were seen as the fledgling movement has grown from 10 to 25 bands, many full with eager youngsters4BR

Fruits

Last week the fruits of that generosity were seen as the fledgling movement has grown from 10 to 25 bands, many full with eager youngsters.

Tuition

Robert told 4BR: "A number of visits have been made by members of Lydbrook Band since 2006, and with the assistance of Steve Legge of Gloucestershire Music Services, help has been given to the young players through master classes and workshops.

Steve has had tuition books translated into Lithuanian and has visited on a number of occasions, giving help and advice with teaching and conducting."

Plans

He added: "Plans are now being developed for the Aukstyn Band (a Youth Band formed from the best players in the area) to visit Lydbrook in July and hopefully a return visit can be made by Lydbrook Band to Lithuania in September.

All Trefor’s family, friends and colleagues will be pleased to know that his name is still remembered in Lithuanian banding."