A very special event took place in North Wales on the weekend, when the members of the Deiniolen Youth Band became the first players to benefit from the Iwan Williams Scholarship, set up in memory of the wonderful YBS Band flugel horn player, who came from the area.

Welcome

Held at their Hen Felin headquarters, the band welcomed Ian and Leanne Porthouse to lead a full day of tuition, practice, masterclass and performance.

The Tredegar MD and his wife were great friends of Iwan during their time playing with the YBS Band and were delighted to be able to make the trip to his home village to be part of the inaugural scholarship day.

Contest preparation

Ian led the players through a couple of rehearsal sessions, with the aim of helping the band in their preparations for a contest in Newtown this weekend.

He also gave a short talk on his playing and conducting experiences, and even dusted off his cornet to show that he had not lost any of the skills that saw him play principal cornet alongside Iwan on flugel at YBS under the baton of David King.

Family and friends

The enjoyable day came to an end with a 20 minute performance for parents and friends, with Iwan’s wife Lorraine, his son Owen and Iwan’s brother Euros, there to enjoy the results of the hard work.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Ian and Leanne were so encouraging and friendly and from the very start it was apparent that this would be a day to remember. It was also great to have Ian’s son Harry helping out too — something that made it a great family atmosphere."

I’m sure the band will unearth the next Iwan Williams time and time again through the excellent work of the scholarshipIan Porthouse

Inspired

Youth Band conductor Osian Thomas added: "To say the players were inspired would be an understatement. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day — one which will no doubt go a long way to help them with their brass playing.

Iwan would also have been chuffed to bits too.”

Fitting

Ian was delighted that he was able to honour the memory of his friend and colleague in such a positive way. "Iwan was a wonderful player and person — and somehow this is a fitting way to keep his memory alive.

Leanne, Harry and myself were given such a great time — and the young players are some of the very best I have had the privilege to conduct in a very long time.

I’m sure the band will unearth the next Iwan Williams time and time again through the excellent work of the scholarship."