A brand new brass band has just been launched in the South Wales valleys, as two proud banding communities of Ebbw Vale and Cwm come together to form Ebbw Valley Brass.

Vibrant

Over the last few months representatives of the former Ebbw Vale and Cwm Town Bands met to discuss the idea of bringing together two ailing banding forces into one vibrant banding organisation.

The result is Ebbw Valley Brass – a name that recognises the geographical area that encompasses the two valley towns.

Forward thinking

The band’s forward thinking motivation has been spearheaded by Gareth Ritter, one of Welsh banding’s rising conducting talents, who hails from the area.

He told 4BR that the decision to bring together two banding identities will ensure a vibrant future in a valley that has produced many fine players over the past decades.

Credit

"All the credit goes to the members and supporters of both bands who realised that this was way forward," he said. "I’m honoured to be given the chance to really put banding back on the map in this community – one which has a proud banding tradition."

He added: "It made sense to work together and form a strong, robust organisation that can ensure that brass band music continues to sound through the Ebbw Valley. A new logo and website has been commissioned that captures the vision the band has for the future."

I’m honoured to be given the chance to really put banding back on the map in this community – one which has a proud banding traditionGareth Ritter

Amazing start

The newly appointed Band Secretary, Dean Woods, added: "Ebbw Valley Brass has had an amazing start to its life under Gareth’s direction. In just four months he has brought amazing energy and a wide range of new and exciting music to develop the band."

Our primary focus in 2012 is to work with the community to develop links in order to deliver a wide range of concerts and provide youngsters with the opportunity to learn to play and enjoy brass band music making with our two youth bands – one each in Ebbw Vale and Cwm.

Formal launch

He concluded: "And our formal launch on 15th December will feature David Childs too — and will be held at the newly British Steel offices complex – an appropriate regenerated venue for a totally regenerated band!"

The Ebbw Valley Band rehearses on a Monday evening at the band’s purpose-built hall at Tyllwyn Old School, Ebbw Vale.