Newtown Silver Band recently held its annual concert and presentation evening in their home town in Mid Wales.

Comnbined forces

An appreciative audience, which included many local dignitaries, enjoyed a varied selection of music given by the combined Learners/Training Band and the Senior Band under the direction of MD Steve Edwards with compere, Helen Bennett.

A real highlight of the playing on the night was a performance of ‘Sweet and Low’ by talented young euphonium player William Hughes who made a fine impression on his first solo outing with the Senior band.

Annual Awards

During the evening a number of annual awards were made, with ‘The Most Improved Learner’ trophy going to 7 year old Rhys Nutting. Georgina Tolley was presented with the ‘Most Improved Member of the Training Band’, with the ‘Training Bandperson of the Year’ shared between Fran Grimwood and Helen Dudley.

The ‘Most Improved Senior Player’ went to euphonium player William Hughes with the ‘Best Soloist’ Award claimed by percussionist Charlie Cooke. The ‘Best Section of Band’ went to the front row cornet section of David Gardner, Arnie Nutting, Matthew Richardson and Bill Ridley, with the ‘Senior Band Person of the Year’ presented to John Hughes, Bandmaster and euphonium.

Ernie Capener took the award for the person who had contributed most to the organisation during the past year.

It was also announced that plans are well in hand for the town’s second Annual March & Open Air Contest on Sunday 9th June4BR

Annual March contest

It was also announced that plans are well in hand for the town’s second Annual March & Open Air Contest on Sunday 9th June.

Bands will march off from the Town Clock, along High Street and into the Town Park where they will perform a short programme comprising of a march, hymn tune and one other piece of music to be judged by Steve Pritchard-Jones.

Deportment will be judged by WO1 Terry Young who has recently been appointed Director of Music B.M. of the Gwent/Powys Army Cadet Force.