*
banner

More new players found on M4 extension

There is yet another extension of playing talent at the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band with a new M4 Band debut.

City of Cardiff logo
 

The youngest players who now form part of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band organisation entertained a sell-out crowd at their recent debut concert in Tongwynlais.

Standing room

It was standing room only for the first ever performance of M4 Beginner Brass, which showcased the talents of no less than 25 budding young musicians.

Following an introductory warm up from supporting members of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) senior band, the M4 youngsters took to the stage under the baton of MD, Gareth Jones, to delight the audience with pieces they have practised together since their formation in January.

Talented players

Meanwhile, the second half of the concert was presented by the 30 members of the M3 Youth Band under the baton of Gareth Ritter with featured soloists, flugel player Gwenno Pari Huws, giving a lovely rendition of ‘Marianne’ and Catrin Jones, who performed ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ on cornet.

Gareth Jones told 4BR: "The dedication of every one of the players in M4 is marvellous. They come to every rehearsal, listen and use what they’ve learnt to improve their playing. To play like this as a band of 25 after a few months is incredible."

If this is what the future of banding looks like, then we’re in very good shapeGareth Ritter

Good shape

Also delighted was M3 Youth Band conductor Gareth Ritter, who told 4BR: "If this is what the future of banding looks like, then we’re in very good shape. Over 50 young people came together tonight to play music for an audience."

He added: "Those 50 also come to band every week to practise and meet up with friends; learning new skills and building self-esteem. This is a great enterprise and I’m immensely proud to be a part of it.

To see so many youngsters in the band room on a Sunday is a fantastic sight, and to see them feed into our M2 Band proves the system works."

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    


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


NZ Championships

Exciting Antipodean challenges for NZ Nationals

June 4 • There is an encouraging outlook for the New Zealand Championships in Christchurch next month.


nybbgb

Thornton and Barton set to inspire Childrens Band

June 4 • Dr David Thornton and guest soloist Lewis Barton will lead the musical attractions at the NYBBGB Childrens' Band Summer Concert in August.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd