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."