The BBC Radio Wales Brass Day has been deemed a great success, after the national broadcaster provided a full day of brass band related output that culminated in a concert live on air in Cardiff last night.

Cyfarthfa

The day started at 5.30am with a feature about the musical role played by the Salvation Army, whilst well known television sports presenter Jason Mohammed hosted a live broadcast from Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil — home to the collection of brass instruments that once belonged to the famous Cyfarthfa Band.

In the afternoon, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Welsh Band Forum Chairman Iestyn Davies were on air with Nev Wilshire from the BBC reality television series ‘The Call Centre’ for ‘topical discussions’ on subjects that ranged from occupational deafness to the best chat up lines for girls!

News scoop

There was a brass band news scoop too, with Capt Paul Collis-Smith from the British Army officially announcing on the prime time news programme that one of the three brand new British Army brass bands will be based in South Wales.

Meanwhile, with a three line whip imposed by presenter Beverely Humphries, a host of radio and television personalities including Wynne Evans, the ‘Go Compare’ opera singer, had been taught to play brass instruments by students from the Royal Welsh College of Music, and under the baton of Dr Robert Childs, gave a special performance of ‘Jingle Bells’ in the foyer of the BBC.

Great fun

Jason Mohammed, who also learned to play a few notes on the cornet for the day told 4BR: "It’s been such great fun. I don’t get as nervous as this when I present ‘Match of the Day’ or ‘Final Score’!

The day has really brought into focus how important brass bands are within their local communities and what joy their music making brings.

I’m a huge fan now, even though I think I may concentrate my playing skills to five aside football in future!"

Boost

Main presenter Beverley Humphreys was also delighted at how the day turned out. "It’s been wonderful — and I hope it’s given Welsh banding a real boost.

My thanks go to all those involved – especially the bands who brought along the magnificent trophies to be displayed (above). I don’t think there has ever been a collection like that anywhere in the banding world!"

The day has really brought into focus how important brass bands are within their local communities and what joy their music making bringsBBC Presenter Jason Mohammed

Live broadcast

The day of celebration was rounded off with a live broadcast of the second half of a concert provided by 2013 British Open champion Tredegar, under the baton of Ian Porthouse, which is still available on the BBC iplayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03ls6xl