Brass Band Forum Wales Chairman Iestyn Davies has told 4BR that the recent weekend has brought into sharp focus both the excellent and exasperating aspects of banding in Wales.
High and Low
With Cory and Tredegar flying the flag at the Brass in Concert Championship and recently formed Ebbw Valley Brass winning the Fourth Section at the Gloucestershire BBA event, he believes the overall level of success at both ends of the contesting spectrum has never been as high.
However, with the ongoing dispute over the eligibility criteria for young players wishing to represent Wales in their own National Youth Brass Band showing little sign of being resolved, he also believes that frustration with arts administrators and their lack of understanding of Welsh banding needs is growing too.
Good news
He told 4BR: "Once again we see Welsh banding securing the type of major contest success we have come to expect from the likes of Cory and Tredegar, whilst it is equally encouraging to see a new band such as Ebbw Valley Brass record a great victory at the Gloucestershire event in Ross on Wye.
This is good news for the whole of Welsh banding – and with additional success this year from bands in the West and North, Wales is becoming an increasingly confident contesting nation at all contesting levels.
We are also establishing a way of learning from that success too and I am confident that the forthcoming Welsh League event in Blaenavon will provide a wonderful climax to the 2012 season."
Slow
However, reflecting on the protracted situation with regard to membership of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, he added: "There have been some promising signs of a willingness to engage with the concerns of community bands and a healthy debate has taken place online – although progress with the arts administrators themselves towards a resolution has been frustratingly slow.
There is an increasing political dimension to the story as it is clear that the issues raised have parallels across the whole of Wales. This is such an important issue concerning the very future of our flagship National Band."
I hope as many people as possible contact us through the Forum website with their views and opinionsIestyn Davies
Views needed
He concluded: "To better understand how we should go forward I am keen to hear the position of Ty Cerdd, the three Welsh Associations and importantly to hear directly from young people themselves, so I hope as many people as possible contact us through the Forum website with their views and opinions."
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