*
banner

Vote, Vote, Vote

One of the banding movement's rising stars needs a bit of electoral help...

Symmonds
 

One of the brass band movement’s rising stars is looking to gain plenty of votes over the coming few days to help get selected for the prestigious Ambition AXA Awards.

Final five

Trombonist Rhiannon Symonds, has been selected from thousands of entries as one of the final five applicants in the Arts category.

Rhiannon, who is the Principal Trombone of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales and a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, impressed the judges with her burgeoning playing talent.

I would love to win an Ambition AXA Award to help me become the best trombonist that I possibly canRhiannon Symonds

Public vote

The 14-year-old from Yorkley, Gloucestershire now goes on to join four other nominees in a public vote at www.ambitionaxaawards.com from Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th November.

The three nominees with the highest number of votes from each category will then go on to the Ambition AXA Awards finals, which will be hosted by Carol Vorderman at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 30th November.

Ambition

Rhiannon told 4BR: "I would love to win an Ambition AXA Award to help me become the best trombonist that I possibly can, and to try new experiences such as taking part in International Trombone Festivals or playing in the European Youth Orchestra."

A prestigious panel that includes musician Alex James, as well as Chairman, Sir Alan Steer, will select the winner.

Outstanding talent

Sir Alan said: "The Ambition AXA Awards are all about helping nurture outstanding young talent, and we’d like to encourage people to therefore vote for the person they think is truly dedicated to their field and would reap the most reward from a bespoke development prize.

With the public’s help, some of these talented youngsters could go on to have a real impact on the world in the future."

Support

The Ambition AXA Awards were launched in March to help support talented, ambitious and dedicated 11 to 18-year-olds in the fields of sport, enterprise, science, the arts, and the community.

Vote:

To vote for Rhiannon, go to:
http://www.ambitionaxaawards.com/content/arts

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    


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth set for RNCM showcase

January 22 • The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band are ready to make a memorable mark at this weekend's RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

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


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

January 23 • Cleethorpes Band are recruiting a Musical Director. . We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd