*
banner

Nia heads the new tuba inspired generation in Wales

8 yr old Nia Llewellyn of Milford Haven Juniors has become the first recipient of the Gwyn Press Memorial Award.

Gwyn Press Award
 

The SEWBBA Contest in Merthyr Tydfil has seen the inaugural presentation of the Gwyn Press Memorial Trophy.

The annual award will now be made at the final contest of the domestic Welsh banding season to the youngest tuba in the Youth Section event.

Celebrated

Gwyn died in January this year at the tragically young age of 48, and Tredegar Band wanted to ensure that his memory would be celebrated once a year with the presentation of a trophy inscribed, 'to inspire the next generation of young tuba players...'

The first recipient was 8 year old Nia Llewellyn of Milford Haven Juniors (above), who was presented with the trophy by Gwyn's great friend and fellow Tredegar player, Dai Thomas.

Gwyn would have been tickled pink that a fantastic young player like Nia is not only enjoying playing in a brass band, but is doing it by playing the tuba so brilliantly as wellDai Thomas

Honour

He told 4BR: "It was a real honour to be able to present the trophy on behalf of the family who made the trip to the contest, and a delight that the first recipient is Nia.

Gwyn would have been tickled pink that a fantastic young player like Nia is not only enjoying playing in a brass band, but is doing it by playing the tuba so brilliantly as well."

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    


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Cory

Cory set for Orbital premiere

January 18 • A visit from the composer Richard Blackford and conductor Martyn Brabbins adds to the levels of preparation ahead of eagerly anticipated world premiere at RNCM Festival.


Whitburn

Whitburn awards youth and experience

January 18 • The Scottish champion presents its annual awards to players of all ages and experience who have done their bit to keep the organisation at the top of their game.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd