The Greater Gwent Youth Band has helped raise £1,000 for the Brass for Africa Charity thanks to the generosity of supporters who attended their end of course concert featuring Halle Orchestra principal trumpet Gareth Small and Tredegar Band on the weekend.

Full house

Led by Course Director Ian Porthouse, the event was held at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre and attracted a full house of family, friends and brass band aficionados, including Philippe Schartz, Principal Trumpet of the National Orchestra of Wales, whose young son plays cornet in the youth band, and Bob Childs, who played in the band as a youngster.

Also there was Gareth Small's father Tony, who provided a special solo for his son to play with the blessing of composer Sir Karl Jenkins of an arrangement of his beautiful song, 'He wishes for the cloths of Heaven' inspired by the poem of WB Yeats and originally written for opera singer Lesley Garrett.

Great five days

A spokesperson for Greater Gwent Music Services told 4BR: "We've enjoyed a great five days of inspirational tuition and leadership by Ian and the staff, all topped off by Gareth.

Our thanks go to both him and Tredegar Band for giving their services for free to support the Brass for Africa Charity and to the audience and so many former players who came to support the next generation of youngsters."

Fantastic player

Ian Porthouse added: "It's been a great way to start the year — and for the youngsters to be inspired by such a fantastic player who took time out of a busy international schedule to come here and perform."

In response Gareth (above with Ian), who has just returned from a month long tour to Germany with London Brass said: "Brass for Africa does such amazing work that this was the ideal opportunity to help back in Wales. Brass banding never leaves your blood — especially when it's as good as this."

Brass for Africa does such amazing work that this was the ideal opportunity to help back in Wales. Brass banding never leaves your blood — especially when it's as good as thisGareth Small

Underpin work

A spokesperson for Brass for Africa told 4BR. "These are the type of events that underpin the work we are doing. Our thanks go to everyone involved at Greater Gwent Music Services and especially to Gareth and Tredegar for giving of their time and talents so freely."