Welsh Champion Tredegar has announced that it is to work with one of its former players in Milton Keynes to strengthen its cross-border youth development links.

MDs Ian Porthouse and David Rose of MK Youth Brass met at the recent 'Brass Spectacular' concert at the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham to start building on plans that will see Tredegar undertake an ongoing series of workshops and masterclasses both in Wales and the heart of England.

Birmingham trip

David, who played with Tredegar before moving to Milton Keynes to start his teaching career nearly 30 years ago, brought nine young players up to Birmingham to hear his former band in action, and is delighted that they can now benefit from ongoing tutoring.

"It's always been something of an aim to be able to connect back to Tredegar, and it's great that Ian and the band are so enthusiastic about the link,"he said.

"Having the opportunity to work with a band with such a positive musical outlook will be great. We can't wait to get started — and it also gives me a great chance to make some more trips home!"

David has been a brilliant Tredegar export himself and has been doing great work in Milton Keynes for many years, so we are delighted that we can help his young players in this wayTredegar MD, Ian Porthouse

Brilliant export

Ian Porthouse is also looking forward to using Tredegar's innovative musical approach to help build youth development in another area of the country.

"David has been a brilliant Tredegar export himself and has been doing great work in Milton Keynes for many years, so we are delighted that we can help his young players in this way."

He added: "We already have an excellent partnership with Birmingham Conservatoire and we see this as a progressive extension of the musical links we have created there."