The National Youth Brass Band of Wales is currently putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of a brace of concerts that will conclude its 2014 course.
Great time
The band has been directed this year by Norwegian conductor Reid Gilje (above), with the talented musicians working on an eclectic selection of repertoire that encompasses George Lloyd’s ‘English Heritage’ and ‘Chump Change’ by Quincy Jones, to Joe Zawinul’s ‘Birdland’, ‘A Child is Born’ by Thad Jones and Frode Rydland’s ‘Red Morning Star & Bucimis’.
And according to Youth Music Manager Matthew Thistlewood, it has been an intense week of practice, enjoyment, rehearsals and relaxation.
"Everyone has had a great time working with Reid and it’s has been a wonderful musical experience for the young players, exploring new and exciting musical genres."
Jazz concerto
That has certainly been the case with Huw Warren’s ‘On the Other Hand’ — a concerto for two jazz trumpets, which will feature the talents of former youth band alumni Gethin Liddington and Percy Pursglove, the MD of National Youth Jazz Wales.
"It’s a brilliant work that has really opened the eyes of the players," Matthew added. "Gethin and Percy are fantastic jazz performers, so it shouldn’t be missed."
New generation
The new generation of Welsh composers will also be featured, with ‘A Welsh Fantasy’ from Ryan Howells, winner of the Ty Cerdd Young Composer competition being premiered at the concerts at Canolfen Beaumaris on Friday evening and at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham on Saturday 26th. Both concerts start at 7.00pm.
With Welsh banding enjoying such success of late, the players from all parts of the country have also benefited from the experience of tutors Gareth Small, Dewi Griffiths, Lesley Poole, Glyn Williams, Les Neish, Simon Cowen and Simone Reblleo.
It’s a brilliant work that has really opened the eyes of the players. Gethin and Percy are fantastic jazz performers, so it shouldn't be missedYouth Music Manager Matthew Thistlewood
Principals
This year’s principal positions also reflected the wide geographical spread of talent with Pippa Scourse from Beaumaris leading the band as principal cornet, with Tom Dunne (Torfaen) on euphonium, Gwern James (Ceredigion) on soprano, Hannah Rogers (Cardiff) on horn, Jack Roberts (Anglesey) on baritone, Merin Lleu (Gwynedd) on trombone, Emily Humphries (Torfaen) on flugel, Rob Cowlishaw (Wrexham) on Eb tuba and Rose Gillison (Ceredigion) on BBb tuba.
