*
banner

Porthouse leads Cornish Youth in festive workout

The Cornish Youth Brass Band enjoyed a post Christmas workout on their annual residential course under the baton of Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse.

Ian Porthouse
  Ian Porthouse put the talented young players of the Cornish Youth Brass Band through a post Christmas workout.

42 young musicians recently cut short their Christmas festivities to get together at Truro High School for Girls for the annual four day residential course of the Cornish Youth Brass Band, under the baton of guest MD, Ian Porthouse.

Third visit

Ian was making a welcome third visit to lead the musicians aged between 12 to 19, as they worked intensively on a varied programme from the classic test-piece, 'Labour and Love', to more recent compositions, such as 'Shine as the Light' by Peter Graham and 'Fire in the Blood' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

World premiere

The course also saw the world premiere of a new work entitled, 'Characters', which Ian brought with him by the Austrian composer, Stefan Unterberger. A former graduate of the University Mozarteum in Salzburg, Stefan also plays horn with the current Austrian champion, Brass Band Oberosterreich.

In 2008 Ian also conducted the Cornish Youth Brass Band in the world premiere of 'Penlee', by Simon Dobson, which has gone on to be played all over the world, and has been chosen as the Championship Section set-work for the 2017 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.

It was also revealed that the Intermediate Section set-work for the event will be a commission from another talented young Cornish composer, with 'Smoke Sketches' by former band member Daniel Hall.

Ian was joined by his wife, Leanne, and son Harry, who became a honourary member of the cornet section.

Excellent teaching

"Cornwall continues to produce a never ending stream of excellent young players,"Ian told 4BR. "That's testament to the excellent community band teaching that takes place and the enthusiasm and dedication of the young players.

My thanks got to everyone involved in organising yet another memorable course, especially Secretary Philip Hunt and the outstanding team of tutors and conductors led by Darren Hawken and assisted by Aaron Harvey. It's always a joy to come down to work here."

Cornwall continues to produce a never ending stream of excellent young players. That's testament to the excellent community band teaching that takes place and the enthusiasm and dedication of the young playersIan Porthouse

Presentation

The end of course concert was held at St Michael's Church, Newquay, attended by the local Mayor and a large and appreciative audience. During the concert a presentation was made to Phillip Hunt, who was stepping down as Secretary of the Band after 13 years in the post.

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd