The Greater Gwent Youth Band kick-starts its 2018 season with a concert in Ebbw Vale this weekend with guests Tredegar Band and trumpet virtuoso Gareth Small.

Brass for Africa

As well as being the annual end of course concert for the talented youngsters, the event at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre on Saturday 6th at 5.30pm will support the Brass for Africa Charity — an organisation that undertakes inspirational work with children in one of the poorest regions of the world.

Set up in 2009, the organisation has provided incredible opportunities to over 1,000 children and young people, developing a successful, scalable model for delivering music education. It has established 17 projects at ten different sites in Uganda, and at two sites in Liberia.

Small classics

The concert will feature entertainment for everyone, with MD Ian Porthouse leading the bands in music that encompasses 'Star Wars' to 'Gypsy Dances' and Judy Garland to Lionel Ritchie, whilst Gareth, the Principal Trumpet of the Halle Orchestra, will wow everyone with music from Kenny Baker and Barbara Streisand to film classics and hot Flamenco.

"It's a great way to start the year,"Ian Porthouse said.

"Tredegar has enjoyed their end of year break but are eager to get back in the concert saddle, whilst it's a fantastic opportunity for brass band fans to hear one of the world's great trumpet players in action — and he's a Welshman!"

Tredegar has enjoyed their end of year break but are eager to get back in the concert saddle, whilst it's a fantastic opportunity for brass band fans to hear one of the world's great trumpet players in action — and he's a Welshman!Ian Porthouse

Emerging talent

He added: "The Greater Gwent Youth Band is packed with emerging playing talent and it's great to work with them this week alongside Gareth and the tutors.

The concert supports a wonderful cause, so I hope as many people as possible come along and enjoy it — I know the band certainly will."