*
banner

Brass for Africa gets a grand response from Welsh support

A concert by the Greater Gwent Youth Band featuring Halle trumpet star Gareth Small and Tredegar Band has raised £1,000 for the Brass for Africa Charity.

Gareth Small
  The Brass for Africa concert with the Greater Gwent Youth Band was supported by Gareth and Ian

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."

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    


Crown Court

Former conductor given child offence sentence

July 24 • Ben Coulson is given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and is required to sign the sex offenders' register for the next decade as part of his Crown Court sentencing.


BBE Conference

Last chance to claim free member ticket to BBE Brass Band Conference

July 24 • Your will need to be quick to book your ticket to be part of an exciting day looking towards the future of the brass banding movement.


National Final

Albert Hall judges announced

July 24 • Dr Stephen Cobb, Ian Bousfield and Rob Wiffin will be charged with picking a winner at the Royal Albert Hall in October.


nybbs

Skills and creativity boosted on NYBBS Course

July 24 • In addition to the music making the players on the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Summer course are learning extra skills.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


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


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.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • Moving to the West Midlands this autumn or fancy a change of bandroom scenery? . The band are looking to recruit a 2nd Euphonium and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Stephen Tighe

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd