*
banner

Abertillery end 30 year wait for success

Victory at the recent Welsh League contest in Burry Port has ended a 30 wait for success for Abertillery & District Band.

Abertillery
 

Abertillery & District Band is celebrating a first contesting win in nearly 30 years after they gained a well deserved victory under the direction of Josh Ruck in the joint Third/Fourth Section at the recent Welsh League contest in Burry Port.

Last win

The band's last win came back in 1986 at a Third Section Welsh Championship event in Neath, so little wonder there were celebrations long into the night after they took the honours thanks to a fine rendition of 'Visions' by Dan Price.

Renaissance

Abertillery is enjoying a real renaissance of late — picking up no less than six runner-up prizes in their last ten contest appearances, although the band was disappointed that their acclaimed performance in Cheltenham at the Fourth Section National Finals off the number 1 draw didn't find as much favour in the tent as it did in the hall (above).

However, there was no problem this time round as Welsh National Opera trumpet player, Dean Wright described their rendition as, 'a great performance' in his written adjudication remarks.

Trophies

In addition, MD, Josh Ruck, was awarded a trophy as the winning conductor, whilst flugel horn player, David Rees, claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

David told 4BR: "We only found out about the 29 year period since the last victory in the week leading up to this contest.

While the band did not compete for a time after 1986, we were all determined to end this unwanted record — so we were understandably delighted when the result was announced!"

He added: "The victory was a fitting reward for the players and Josh for all the work he has done with us over the last year."

While the band did not compete for a time after 1986, we were all determined to end this unwanted record — so we were understandably delighted when the result was announced!Abertillery & District Band

Great

Josh himself added: "It was great to lead the band to this victory. We can now look forward to promotion — although I hope we don't have to wait another 29 years for the next win!"

The band now looks forward to the Welsh League contest in Merthyr Tydfil before working hard in preparation to their return to the Third Section in 2016.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Friary Brass

Friary help Fireworks Night go off with a bang

November 7 • Friary Brass has once again played its part in making Lewes live up to its title of 'Bonfire Capital of the World'.


Music

Concerns grow over music provision in Scotland

November 7 • Campaigners are asking the Scottish Government Minister to intervene as one local authority considers 'arms-length' music provision for children.


RWCMD

Henze, Arnold and Gregson for lunch in Cardiff

November 7 • A trio of major works from Hans Werner Henze, Malcolm Arnold and Edward Gregson will be featured in a lunchtime concert at the RWCM&D in Cardiff on Friday.


Constest

ConsTest set for Birmingham return

November 7 • The popular contest will returning to Birmingham next April — but you will have to be quick to book a slot.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - The Houghton Weavers

Saturday 9 November • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


Contest: 47th Brass in Concert

Saturday 16 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment

Friday 22 November • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

November 6 • Looking for a Euphonium to complete the section.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 5 • Bilton Silver (Rugby) requires an Eb bass to join our Championship Section band. Under MD Brad Turnbull we have a varied programme of events. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Friday at 7-45pm in our own purpose built bandroom.


Besses o'th' Barn Band

November 5 • Under the direction of David W Ashworth, we are making every effort to complete the rebuild of this very famous brass band. We require three percussionists , a Bb Bass and one Back Row Cornet to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd