The Cornish village of Newquay recently echoed to the sound of brass, as the Cornwall Youth Band’s annual Easter course culminated in a resounding concert under the baton of Ian Porthouse (above)

Delight

At the end of event, the Tredegar MD expressed his delight at having been invited to take the 2014 course, eight years after his previous visit to Cornwall, and this time accompanied by his wife and son, who both joined the band for the weekend.

In an upbeat concert the band featured a variety of music from composers Jacob Larsen, Matthew Hall, Simon Dobson and promising composer and band member, Daniel Hall.

Vocal chords

There was also an appropriate Cornish musical theme too, with the final movement of Philip Harper’s ‘Beyond the Tamar’ giving the players a chance to exercise their vocal chords with a rousing rendition of ‘Trelawney’.

An exciting encore of ‘Funky Brass’ saw Ian Porthouse pick up his cornet to join in the fun, and finish a weekend of music making enjoyed by all.

Musical performers

Ian told 4BR: "I had a wonderful time with my family and the talented young players. Cornwall seems to be able to produce such musical performers — all wishing to improve and enjoy themselves in the process.

It was such a well run course filled with talented players all eager to make great music together."

It was such a well run course filled with talented players all eager to make great music togetherIan Porthouse

Awards

The annual Course Awards saw the band bid farewell to Matthew Rowe, Emmeline Downer and Adam Scott, with presentations going to AR Trudgian Awards for the band representatives, Megan Thomas and Tom Howard; The Most Improved Player — Gregory Graves; The Player’s Player — Gregory Graves; The Youngest Player — Lia Teague; The Most Promising Player — Ryan Huxtable; The Player of the Year — Adam Scott; The W.A Hunt Award for the Most conspicuous contribution — Jim Gore, and the Goff Richards Cup for the most promising trombone player — Megan Thomas.